Research Fundamentals Quiz

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

The outcome or effect that is measured in an experiment.

Other factors that might influence the outcome of an experiment, besides the independent variable.

A statistical measure that describes the relationship between two variables.

A numerical value that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

The tendency for extreme or unusual scores to fall back to the average over time.

Establishing that one variable directly causes changes in another.

A statistical method used to summarize data using measures like mean, median, and mode.

A statement that predicts a relationship between two or more variables that can be tested.

The ability of a hypothesis to be proven false.

A statement that there is no effect or difference between variables.

A statement that predicts an effect or difference between variables.

A research method that manipulates and controls variables to identify cause and effect relationships.

A research method that observes and describes behavior in natural settings without manipulation.

A research method that focuses on statistical analysis of relationships between variables.

A factor that influences the strength or direction of the relationship between two variables.

The influence of others on an individual's decisions, even if they know the behaviour is wrong.

An experiment exploring how social pressures in a majority group affect individuals' choices.

A specialized cell that transmits electrical signals across long distances, forming the basis of the nervous system.

A brief electrical charge traveling down an axon, allowing neurons to communicate over long distances.

Supporting cells in the nervous system that provide structure, insulation, and support.

Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons across synapses.

The space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, like heart rate and digestion.

A smaller group selected from a larger population that accurately reflects the characteristics of that population.

When participants experience changes simply because they believe they are receiving treatment, even if the treatment is inactive.

When negative expectations about a treatment cause harmful effects, even though the treatment is inactive.

Both the researcher and the research staff are unaware about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. This eliminates bias.

The act of changing your behavior, beliefs, or opinions to match those of a group or to fit social norms.

Numerical data that allows one to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population. It helps us draw conclusions about larger groups from smaller ones.

Participant sample is divided in half, one completing the conditions in one order, the other completing them in the reverse order. It helps control for the order effect in experiments.

A brain imaging technique that tracks brain activity by measuring magnetic fields generated by electrical currents in the brain.

A brain imaging technique using X-rays to create images of the brain, useful for identifying brain damage.

A brain imaging technique that tracks brain activity by measuring the distribution of a temporarily radioactive form of glucose in the brain.

A brain imaging technique that creates detailed images of the brain structure using magnetic fields and radio waves.

A brain region associated with behavioral withdrawal and negative emotions.

A brain imaging technique that tracks brain activity by measuring magnetic fields generated by electrical currents in the brain. When PTSD patients view trauma-related images, their visual cortex shows stronger magnetic fields compared to non-PTSD individuals.

Brain injuries in children detected through CT scans can predict impairments in their intelligence and memory processing.

Monkeys with an anxious temperament have brains that use more glucose in regions associated with fear, memory, and reward/punishment expectations.

fMRI measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It compares continuous MRI scans to show which brain regions are more active during specific tasks.

The hippocampus is a brain structure crucial for forming new explicit memories, which are memories for facts and events.

Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt its structure and function in response to experiences or injury. It enables recovery after brain damage.

The axon hillock is a specialized region of a neuron where the decision to generate an action potential is made. It integrates incoming signals and determines if they are strong enough to trigger a signal.

An agonist enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter by mimicking it, while an antagonist blocks or reduces the effects of a neurotransmitter. They can be used to treat imbalances in neurotransmitter levels.

The rubber hand illusion demonstrates how our brain integrates sensory information from multiple sources, such as touch and sight, to create a sense of body ownership. It shows that our perception of our body can be manipulated.

Ego depletion theory proposes that self-control is like a muscle that gets tired with overuse. After exerting self-control, we have less willpower to resist temptations.

Phantom limb pain is the sensation of pain in a limb that has been amputated. Mirror therapy uses visual feedback to help the brain 'remap' the missing limb and reduce pain.