Experimental methods overview

• Experimental method


  Scientific process where one variable is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable, with other variables held constant.
• Laboratory experiment


  Controlled setting where a researcher manipulates one variable to study its impact on another, with other variables constant.
• Variables


  In an experiment, the independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured.
• Independent variable


  Variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.
• Dependent variable


  Variable in an experiment that is measured as it depends on the independent variable.
• Field experiment


  Experiment conducted outside a lab, maintaining scientific procedures, with random participant allocation.
• Ecological validity


  Extent to which findings of a study can be generalized to real-life settings.
• Replicability


  Ability to repeat an experiment to test its reliability and validity.
• Independent Measures design


  Experimental design where different participants are used for each condition.
• Repeated Measures design


  Experimental design where the same participants are used in all conditions.
• Matched Pairs design


  Experimental design where participants are matched on key characteristics before being assigned to different conditions.
• Participant reactivity


  Tendency of participants to alter their behavior when aware of being observed in a study.
• Extraneous variables


  Variables other than the independent variable that may influence the dependent variable if not controlled.
• Deception


  Act of misleading participants about the true purpose of a study to prevent bias.
• Manipulation of independent variable


  Essential feature of an experiment where the researcher controls and changes the independent variable.
• Schizophrenia


  Possibly caused by stress in mid-pregnancy.
• Natural Experiment


  Uses naturally occurring variables, not true experiment.
• Television Effects


  Studies TV violence effects on children.
• Quasi-Experiment


  Another term for natural experiment.
• Manipulate


  To control or influence variables.
• Ecological Validity


  Reflects real-world scenarios.
• Extraneous Variables


  Variables affecting the study but not controlled.
• Replicate


  To repeat a study for validation.
• Field Experiment


  Psychologist manipulates IV in real-world setting.
• Independent Measures Design


  Different participants for each condition.
• Matched Pairs Design


  Participants matched on key characteristics.
• Repeated Measures Design


  Same participants in all conditions.
• Productivity Study


  Investigates lighting, heating, and breaks effects.
• Parenting Study


  Examines child-rearing practices in Oxfordshire.
• Romantic Behavior Study


  Observes girl's behavior towards romantic interest.
• Memory Duration Hypothesis


  Rhyming words may extend memory duration.
• Shyness Hypothesis


  Most people shy to complain about being short-changed.
• Day Care Hypothesis


  Excessive day care may lead to child aggression.
• Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis


  Lack of maternal care causes affectionless psychopaths.
• Gender Helping Behavior


  Women more likely to help lost child than men.
• Chimpanzee Communication


  Chimps can learn sign language for communication.