It minimizes pre-existing differences between groups, increasing the likelihood that the independent variable is causing changes in the dependent variable.

It can skew the results in the direction of the researcher's expectations, leading to inaccurate conclusions.

Participants may alter their behavior simply because they know they are being observed, which can confound the results.

They can obscure or exaggerate the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables, leading to incorrect conclusions.

It reduces the generalizability of the findings, as the sample is not representative of the population.

It can cause harm to participants, damage the reputation of the researcher and institution, and undermine the credibility of psychological science.

It ensures that participants have the right to make an informed decision about whether to participate in the study, respecting their autonomy.

It helps to alleviate any distress or confusion caused by the study, ensuring that participants leave the study in a positive state.

It ensures that variables are measured precisely, allowing for replication and comparison of results.

The mean is pulled in the direction of the skew, while the median remains relatively unaffected, providing a more accurate measure of central tendency.

It ensures that the experiment measures what it intends to, increasing confidence in the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

It limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations, settings, or conditions.

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

The idea that knowledge comes from observation and experimentation.

Locke's idea that the mind is a blank slate at birth.

Analyzing the mind through basic elements.

Understanding the purpose of mental processes.

Focus on observable behavior.

People act differently when they know they are being observed.

Pure science to increase knowledge.

Practical application of research.

Explanation using principles that organize observations and predict behaviors or events.

Precise way to measure a variable.

Extraneous variable that affects the results.

Structuralism focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic components, while functionalism focuses on the purpose and adaptive functions of these processes.

Basic research aims to increase knowledge, while applied research seeks to solve practical problems.

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to see if it is affected by the independent variable.

Longitudinal studies follow the same subjects over time, while cross-sectional studies study different groups at the same time.

Internal validity refers to how well the experiment measures what it intends to, while external validity refers to how well the results can be generalized.

Experiments manipulate variables to determine cause and effect, while correlational studies examine relationships between variables without manipulation.

A control variable is kept constant to prevent it from affecting the results, while a confounding variable is an extraneous variable that does affect the results.

The mean is the average of a set of numbers, while the median is the middle value when the numbers are arranged in order.

Experimenter bias occurs when the researcher's expectations affect the results, while sampling bias occurs when the sample is not representative of the population.

Hindsight bias is the 'I knew it all along' phenomenon, while confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's beliefs.

Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics make inferences from data.

Informed consent is obtained before the study, ensuring participants agree to participate after being fully informed, while debriefing occurs after participation, explaining the study and addressing any deception or concerns.