PSYC 2530 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Statistic, Statistical Parameter, Sampling Error
19 Nov 2012
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Statistic sample: every population parameter has a corresponding sample statistic. In the correlational method, two different variables are observed to determine whether there is a relationship between them: cannot prove causation. Experimental method: goal: determine cause and effect relationship between two variables. Confounded: when there is more than one explanation for the results of an experiment. Participant variables (age, gender, intelligence, etc. ) and environmental variables (lighting, time of day, etc. ) must be the same for all participants. Non-experimental research: correlational study (one group with two variables measured for each individual, nonequivalent groups study (compares scores between pre-existing groups, pre-post study (compares scores before and after) In a non-experimental study, the independent variable that is used to create different groups of scores is often called the quasi-independent variable. [hypothetical] constructs are internal attributes or characteristics that cannot be directly observed but are useful for describing and explaining behavior (e. g. , intelligence, anxiety, hunger)
