Introduction to Psychology 10th Edition by Rod Plotnik,Haig Kouyoumdjian

Exercise 8

An experiment offers a set of rules or guidelines on how to conduct research with a minimum of error or bias. We have divided these guidelines into seven rules.
Rule 1 is to make a statement in precise, concrete terms. Such a statement is called a (a) _____, which researchers often develop based on previous observations or studies.
Rule 2 is to identify the treatment or something the experimenter manipulates, which is called the (b) _____. In addition, the experimenter selects behaviors that are to be used to measure the potential effects of the treatment. These selected behaviors are called the (c) _____, and they may include a wide range of behaviors, such as cognitive processes, observable behaviors, or measurable physiological responses.
Rule 3 is to choose participants so that each one in a sample has an equal chance of being selected. One procedure for doing so is called (d) _____.
Rule 4 is to assign participants randomly to one of two groups. The group that will receive the treatment is called the (e) _____, and the group that will undergo everything but the treatment is called the (f) _____.
Rule 5 is to manipulate the (g) _____ by administering it (or one level of it) to the experimental group but not to the control group. The procedure for preventing both researchers and participants from knowing who is getting the treatment is called the (h) _____.
Rule 6 is to measure the effects of the independent variable on behaviors that have been selected as the (i) _____.
Rule 7 is to analyze differences between the behaviors of participants in the experimental group and those in the control group by using various (j) _____, which determine whether differences were due to the treatment or to chance occurrences. By following these seven rules, researchers reduce the chances that (k) _____ caused their results.