Definitions

Kristy Mann Chapter 1

1) Positron emission tomography (PET scan)- an invasive imaging technique that provides color-coded images of brain activity by tracking the brain’s use of a radioactively tagged compound, such as glucose, oxygen, or a drug.

2) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- a noninvasive imaging technique that produces highly detailed images of the body’s structures and tissues using electromagnetic signals generated by the body in response to magnetic fields.

3) Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)- a noninvasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to map brain activity by measuring changes in the brain’s blood flow and oxygen levels.

4) Natural experiment- a study investigating the effects of a naturally occurring event on the research participants.

5) Demand characteristics-in a research study, subtle cues or signals expressed by the researcher that communicate the kind of response or behavior that is expected from the participant.

6) Double-blind technique- an experimental control in which neither the participants nor the researchers interacting with the participants are aware of the group or condition to which the participants have been assigned.

7) Practice effect-any change in performance that results from mere repetition of a task.

8) Control group- in an experiment, the group of participants who are exposed to all experimental conditions, except the independent variable; the group against which changes in the experimental group are compared.

9) Experimental group-in an experiment, the group of participants who are exposed to all experimental conditions, including the independent variable.

10) Independent variable- the purposely manipulated factor thought to produce change.

11) Dependent variable- the factor that is observed and measured for change in an experiment.

12) Experimental method- a method of investigation used to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships by...