Psychology Research Methods Flashcards

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Psychology Research Methods

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ways of collecting and analysing data to understand behaviour and mental processes

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Hypothesis

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testable, predictive statement about the relationship between variables

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Independent Variable (IV)

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variable manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect

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Dependent Variable (DV)

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variable measured to assess the effect of the IV

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Extraneous Variables

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other than the IV that could affect the DV if not controlled

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Confounding Variables

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variables that have actually affected the DV, making results unclear

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Operationalisation

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variables in a measurable, precise way

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Laboratory Experiment

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experiment in an artificial setting; high internal validity, low ecological validity

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Field Experiment

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conducted in a natural setting; higher ecological validity, less control

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Natural Experiment

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observes naturally occurring changes in the IV; no direct manipulation