Research Methods in Psychology

The variable that is hypothesized to cause a change in another variable.

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment to see if it is affected by the independent variable.

A research method where a researcher systematically manipulates one or more independent variables while keeping other variables constant to observe the effects on the dependent variable.

A research study where the researcher observes or measures two or more existing variables to find relationships between them, without manipulating any variable.

A type of experiment where each participant is exposed to all different conditions of the independent variable.

The absolute value of the correlation coefficient indicates the strength of a relationship between two variables.

A correlation close to zero (0) implies that the two variables are statistically independent. Knowing the value of one variable doesn't help predict the other.

Inferential statistics help determine the likelihood that observed results in a study are due to chance.

The p-value represents the probability of observing results as extreme as those obtained if there was truly no effect of the independent variable.

When comparing two means, the p-value is the likelihood of getting a difference as large as observed if there was no real difference between the means in the population.

In a correlational study, the p-value reflects the probability of finding a correlation as strong as the observed one if the two variables were truly uncorrelated in the population.

Results are typically considered statistically significant if the p-value is less than 0.05 (5%). This means there's less than a 5% chance of obtaining the results observed due to random chance.

Inferential statistical methods help determine the confidence level in concluding that the observed results are not due to chance.

The brain and spinal cord, which process and synthesize information from the body.

The network of nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, sending and receiving information.

A single nerve cell responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

A bundle of many neurons working together to transmit information.

Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, initiating action.

These are junctions between neurons, where chemical signals are used to transmit information between one neuron and another.

These are specialized committees that review and approve research involving human participants, animal subjects, or sensitive data, to ensure ethical standards and minimize risks.

A record of brain activity produced by placing electrodes on the scalp and amplifying the signals.

Brain activity recorded immediately after a stimulus is presented, providing insights into how the brain processes that stimulus.

Imaging techniques that measure blood flow in the brain, revealing areas of increased activity.

A technique that uses radioactive substances injected into the bloodstream to measure brain activity.

A technique that uses a magnetic field to detect changes in blood flow, providing a detailed image of brain activity.

The ability of a brain imaging technique to distinguish between two closely spaced locations.

The ability of a brain imaging technique to distinguish between closely spaced events in time.

A method of studying the brain that involves examining the brain's structure and function through various techniques like EEG, PET, and fMRI.

Electrical recordings from single neurons provide insights into brain function. These recordings are obtained by placing electrodes in specific brain areas while the animal performs tasks.

Place cells are a type of neuron found in the hippocampus that fire when an animal is located in a particular place within its environment. They help the animal navigate and remember spatial information.

The nervous system is structured hierarchically, with two main interacting systems: sensory-perceptual and motor-control.

The sensory-perceptual hierarchy processes information from the environment, analyzing sensory data to understand the world and make decisions about actions.

The motor-control hierarchy manages movement. It receives commands from higher brain centers and translates them into specific muscle activities.

This part of the nervous system controls voluntary movements, like picking up a pen or walking.

This part of the nervous system controls involuntary actions, like your heart beating or digestion.

These muscles are attached to your bones and allow you to move your body.

These muscles are found in organs like your heart and stomach, controlling their movements.

This division of the autonomic nervous system prepares your body for stressful situations like 'fight or flight.'

This division of the autonomic nervous system helps your body relax and conserve energy.

These structures produce substances like saliva and sweat.