4.2.3 - Research Methods Flashcards
definition of operationalisation
To make behaviour measurable so that it can be objectively recorded
Definition of experimental aims
A statement of what the researchers intend to find out in a study:
- they are clear and detailed
-and outline the purpose of the study
Definition of hypothesis
A precise and testable statement of prediction about the outcome of an experiment
What are the 4 types of hypotheses
-experimental
-null
-directional
-non directional
What is an experimental hypothesis
Predicts that there will be a difference or a relationship between the conditions with g the experiment
What is a null hypothesis
It predicts that there will be no difference or relationships
What is a directional hypothesis
A one tailed prediction that states which group will do better
What is a non-directional hypothesis
A two ailed prediction that stated that there will be a difference or relationship, but doesn’t state which group will do better
What should a good hypotheses include?
-all conditions are mentioned
- has to be operationalised (measurable)
-in either the future or the past tense
-clear whether it is looking for a difference or a relationship
What are extraneous variables
Any variable that could affect the depended to variable that is not the independent variable
What are the 4 types of extraneous variables
- situational
- participant
- investigator effects
- demand characteristics
What are situational variables? (+ egs)
Features of a research situation that may influence the participants behaviour, egs):
- heat
- time of day
- order effects
How to control situational variables
Standardise everything by keeping everything the same
Counterbalancing - ABBA
What are participant variables
The ways in which each participant varies from the other and how the results could be collected:
Eg. Mood
IQ
anxiety
concentration
How to control participant variables
Depends on the experimental design
What are Investigator effects
When the experimenter unconsciously conveys to participants how they should behave ( experiment or bias)
However the experimenter is often unaware of the influence that they cause - but it has an effect nevertheless
Methods to control investigator bias
- double blind design
- Inter-rater reliability
How is double blind design used to reduce investigator effects
Both the participant and the person conducting the experiment are unaware of the aims and the hypothesis
The experimenter is unaware of the variable that the participants are involved in
How does inter-rater reliability reduce investigator effects
Independent raters rate the same behaviour as researchers and check for agreement
What are demand characteristics
They occur when the participant knows or guesses the experimenters intentions and therefore change their behaviour accordingly
How to control demand characteristics?
- single bling design
-deception
How is single blind design used to reduce demand characteristics
The participant is unaware of which condition they are in, and are unaware of the research aims also. this prevents participants from seeking clues about the aims and reacting to them.
How is deception used to control demand characteristics
Lying about the aims of the study and using distracting questions
What is a confounding variable
When an extraneous variable is not controlled by the experimenter, therefore damage the validity of the experiment
What is the experimental design
The way in which participants are allocated to different conditions of an experiment
What are the three types of experimental design
- independent groups
- repeated measures
- matched pairs
Describe the independent groups method (experimental design)
Different articipants take part in different conditions and are randomly allocated to each condition.
Evaluate independent groups
+ avoids ordering effects as people only participate in one condition
+ avoids demand characteristics as people are unlikely to guess aims
- more people are needed therefore is more time consuming
- differences between participants in the groups may affect the results (participant variables)
What is repeated measures design (experimental design)
Every participant takes part in every condition and their results are compared to themselves.
Evaluate repeated measures
+ the same participant is used in each condition so participant variables ate reduced
+ fewer people are needed
- there may be order effects
- participants may be able to guess the aims so demand characteristics may occur
What is matched pairs (experimental design)
Different but similar participants are used each condition. They are matched based on variables relevant to the study.
Evaluate matched pairs
+ reduces participant variables as the pairs should have similar characteristics and abilities
+ avoids order effects so counterbalances isn’t necessary
- if one participant drops out you love 2 peoples data
- very time consuming to find closely matched pairs
- impossible to match people exactly
Definition of a sample
The group of people who take pat in the research, they are drawn from the target population and is assumed to be representative of the population so that the findings can be generalised
Definition of target population
The desired sub-group of the population to be studied