PSYC 2010 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Causal Inference, Random Assignment, Picture Book

• School: Fordham University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2010
• Professor: Karen Siedlecki

Document Summary

Independent groups design (aka: between-subjects design): each group of subjects participates in a different condition of the independent variable. Random assignment of subjects to conditions occurs before iv is administered. Groups are the same with the exception of the iv. Picture book versions barbie, emme, and neutral. Dv: measures of body image and body dissatisfaction. If internal validity is high, we can state that the iv caused the difference between groups on the dv. Covariation: there exists a relationship between the iv and dv. Time order relationship: the cause precedes the effect. Elimination of plausible alternatives: control techniques can rule out other explanations. Hold conditions constant: experiences between the groups should differ only in terms of the iv. Balancing: some variables cannot be held constant (pre-existing levels of body dissatisfaction), so balancing controls for other alternative variables by making sure the averages between the groups are similar.