Advanced flashcards covering experimental design flaws, nuanced cognitive theories, biological bases exceptions, and critical analysis of pivotal studies for AP Psychology.
20 cards
Front
Operational Definition
Back
A precise statement of the procedures (operations) used to define a variable, allowing other researchers to replicate the study. Essential for objective measurement of abstract concepts like 'aggression' or 'intelligence'.
Front
Random Assignment vs. Random Sampling
Back
Random *assignment* distributes subjects into experimental groups (eliminates confounding variables), while random *sampling* selects participants from a population (ensures generalizability). A study can have one without the other.
Front
The Placebo Effect
Back
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.
Front
Statistical Significance (p-value)
Back
A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance. Does *not* prove practical importance; a result can be statistically significant but have a very small effect size.
Front
Standard Deviation
Back
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score. A low standard deviation indicates data points are close to the mean; a high one indicates a wider spread of scores/outliers.
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