Module 6

Match the following

• scatterplot

• a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables.

• correlation coefficient

• the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to

• validity

•  assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those  assigned to the different groups.

• random assignment

• effect on experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

• placebo effect

• a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1 to +1)

Match the following

• dependent variable

• in an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

• control group

• a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

• double-blind procedure

• an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participant have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies

• experiment

• the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable

• independent variable

• the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Match the following

• illusory correlation

• in an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable

• correlation

•  a factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment

• experimental group

• 1a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other

• confounding variable

• the perception of a relationship where none exists