Psychology Survey Flashcards

Study Notes

Survey: A method used to gather data for research purposes.
Target Population: The complete group being researched, from which samples are drawn.
Sample: A subset of the target population used for analysis.

Random Sample: A selection method where participants are chosen by chance; may not always accurately reflect the general population.
Stratified Sample: Participants are selected based on known subgroups, ensuring accurate representation proportional to their prevalence in the population.

Generalizing Results: Results cannot be extended beyond the sample to the larger population.
Bias: A tendency to favor one perspective over others, potentially skewing research findings.
Volunteer Bias: Individuals who choose to participate in studies may differ significantly from those who do not.

Experiment: Involves treatment given to participants to observe its effects on behavior.
Variables: Factors that can change within an experiment.
Independent Variable: The factor manipulated by the researcher to observe effects.
Dependent Variable: The outcome that is measured, which changes in response to the independent variable.
Experimental Group: The group that receives the treatment in the experiment.
Control Group: The group that does not receive treatment, used for comparison.

Controlled Experiment: An experiment that includes both control and experimental groups to evaluate the treatment's effects.
Placebo: An inactive substance intended to create a psychological impact based on belief rather than pharmacological effect.
Placebo Effect: Improvement in condition due to the belief in the treatment rather than the treatment itself.

Single Blind Study: Participants are unaware of whether they are receiving treatment or a placebo.
Double Blind Study: Neither researchers nor participants know who is receiving treatment, minimizing bias.
Hawthorne Effect: The phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior due to increased attention from being observed.