PSY 205 Lecture 2: PSY 205 Chapter 2 Vocab

• School: Syracuse University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 205
• Professor: Dr. Shannon C. Houck

Document Summary

Extraneous variables: any variables other than the independent variable that seems likely to influence the dependent variable in a specific study. Confounding of variables: occurs when two variables are linked in a way that makes it difficult to sort out their specific effects. Random assignment: of subjects occurs when all subjects have an equal chance of being assigned to any group or condition in the study. Correlation: when to variables are related to each other. Correlation coefficient: a numerical index of the degree of relationship between two variables. Naturalistic observation: when researchers engage in careful observation of behavior without intervening directly with the subjects. Reactivity: this occurs when a subjects behavior is altered by the presence of an observer. Case study: is an in-depth investigation of an individual subject. Sample: a collection of subjects selected for observation in an empirical study. Sampling bias: this is when a sample is not representative of the population from which it was drawn.