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| a statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an intelligence test measures. |
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| repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances. |
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| observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation. |
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the perception of a relationship where none exists.
Experiment: 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. |
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| an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the treatment or placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies |
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| 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 ingredient. |
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| in an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable. |
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| 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. |
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| the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied. |
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| the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable. |
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| a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance. |
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