Psychology Chapter 2 Flashcards

Study Notes

Placebo

A placebo is a substance with no active ingredients, often used in experiments to control for the psychological effects of treatment.
Its purpose is to eliminate the influence of suggestion on outcomes, ensuring that changes are due to the experimental treatment rather than psychological factors.
Despite its lack of active ingredients, a placebo theoretically does not affect the body directly but can elicit psychological responses.

Double-Blind Study

A double-blind study is an experimental design where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the experimental treatment versus a control.
This approach helps to prevent bias and ensures that the results are not influenced by either the expectations of the participants or the researchers.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a predictive statement made by the researcher about the expected outcomes of an experiment.
It serves as a foundation for designing the study and testing specific variables.

Subjects in Research

Experiments in psychology are conducted on subjects, who may be humans or animals, depending on the nature of the study.
The selection of subjects is crucial for ensuring relevant and generalizable results.

Hidden Variables

Guarding against hidden or unexpected variables is essential for maintaining the validity and reliability of experimental results.
These variables can introduce confounding factors that may skew data and misinterpret findings if not controlled.

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment and is expected to change in response to the independent variable.
It reflects the outcomes of the research and provides insight into the effects of the manipulated variables.

Independent Variable

The independent variable is the factor that the researcher actively manipulates to observe its effects on the dependent variable.
This variable is the basis for testing hypotheses and determining causal relationships.

Field Studies

Field studies refer to research conducted in natural settings outside of controlled laboratory environments.
These studies provide insights into real-world behaviors and phenomena, enhancing ecological validity.

Experimental Group

The experimental group consists of subjects who receive the treatment or intervention being tested in the experiment.
This group is critical for determining the effects of the independent variable.

Control Group

The control group does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a benchmark to compare against the experimental group.
This helps to isolate the effects of the independent variable by controlling for outside influences.

Survey Method

The survey method involves asking subjects questions to gather data on their feelings, opinions, and behavioral patterns.
This method allows researchers to collect large amounts of data efficiently and can offer insights into population trends and social behaviors.

Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts from Chapter 2 of Psychology, covering methods such as the placebo effect and double-blind studies. Test your understanding of these essential psychological concepts through flashcards designed to reinforce your learning.