A Level Psychology Edexcel Research Methods Flashcards
True or False: Qualitative research methods focus on numerical data.
False
Fill in the blank: The __________ variable is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.
independent
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
What type of research method uses interviews and focus groups?
Qualitative research method
What is the main purpose of a control group?
To serve as a baseline comparison and isolate the effects of the independent variable.
What does ‘operationalization’ mean?
The process of defining variables in practical, measurable terms.
True or False: Correlational studies can determine cause and effect.
False
Fill in the blank: In a __________ study, the same participants are observed at multiple points in time.
longitudinal
What is a random sample?
A sampling method where every individual has an equal chance of being selected.
What is the purpose of ethical guidelines in psychological research?
To ensure the safety, dignity, and welfare of participants.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle? A) Informed Consent B) Debriefing C) Deception D) Coercion
D) Coercion
What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts and experiences, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
True or False: A case study is a type of observational research.
True
What is the significance of the ‘p-value’ in research?
The p-value indicates the probability that the observed results occurred by chance, with a common threshold of p < 0.05 for statistical significance.
Fill in the blank: A __________ design involves comparing different groups of participants.
cross-sectional
What is a self report method?
A research method that involves asking participants questions to gather data on their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
Multiple Choice: Which method is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships? A) Correlational Study B) Experimental Study C) Survey D) Case Study
B) Experimental Study
What is meant by ‘confounding variables’?
Variables that are not controlled in an experiment and may affect the outcome, leading to erroneous conclusions.
True or False: A longitudinal study can identify changes over time.
True
What is the difference between a primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand by the researcher, while secondary data is previously collected data used for a new analysis.
Fill in the blank: The __________ method involves observing behavior in natural settings without interference.
naturalistic observation
What is a double-blind study?
A study design where both the participants and the researchers are unaware of which participants are in the control or experimental groups.
What is meant by ‘validity’ in research?
Validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately measures or reflects the concept it intends to measure.
True or False: Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure.
True
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
To test the feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research study before the main study.
What does ‘informed consent’ require from participants?
Participants must be fully informed about the nature of the study and voluntarily agree to participate.
What is a meta-analysis?
A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify overall trends.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of questionnaires? A) They are time-consuming B) They can be expensive C) They may have low response rates D) They are always reliable
C) They may have low response rates
What is the role of a debriefing in research?
To inform participants about the study’s purpose and any deception used, as well as to provide support if needed.
True or False: Observational studies can be either structured or unstructured.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings.
Ecological
What is a Likert scale?
A rating scale used to measure attitudes or opinions, typically ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree.’
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of qualitative research? A) It provides numerical data B) It allows for in-depth understanding C) It is time-efficient D) It is easy to analyze
B) It allows for in-depth understanding
What is ‘participant observation’?
A research method where the researcher becomes part of the group being studied to gain insight.
True or False: The experimental method is the only way to establish causation.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ bias occurs when the researcher unintentionally influences the participants’ responses.
Researcher/Observer
What is a case study?
An in-depth analysis of an individual, group, or event to explore complex issues.
Multiple Choice: Which sampling method gives every member of the population an equal chance of being selected? A) Stratified B) Systematic C) Random D) Convenience
C) Random
What is the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?
Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics draw conclusions and make predictions based on data.
True or False: A correlation coefficient can range from -1 to +1.
True
What is the main advantage of using experiments in research?
Experiments allow researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships by controlling variables.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the ability of a test to measure what it claims to measure.
Validity
What is ‘sampling bias’?
A bias that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population, leading to skewed results.
Multiple Choice: At what stage of research is a hypothesis formulated? A) Data Collection B) Analysis C) Planning D) Reporting
C) Planning
What is ‘longitudinal research’?
Research that follows the same subjects over a period of time to observe changes.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the consistency of a measure across different occasions.
Reliability
What does ‘debriefing’ involve?
Explaining the purpose and procedures of the study to participants after it has concluded.
Multiple Choice: Which type of research is characterized by manipulation of variables? A) Descriptive B) Correlational C) Experimental D) Observational
C) Experimental
What is the purpose of random assignment in experiments?
To ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, minimising bias.
True or False: Ethical considerations are not important in psychological research.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.
Correlation
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a qualitative data analysis method? A) Statistical Analysis B) Thematic Analysis C) Regression Analysis D) ANOVA
B) Thematic Analysis
True or False: The purpose of a literature review is to summarize previous research on a topic.
True
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of observational research? A) It is time-consuming B) It provides quantitative data C) It is easy to replicate D) It lacks depth
A) It is time-consuming
What is ‘debriefing’?
A process of informing participants about the study’s purpose and addressing any concerns after participation.
True or False: A hypothesis must be falsifiable.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ validity assesses whether a study’s findings can be applied to real-world settings.
Ecological
What is the main goal of descriptive statistics?
To summarize and describe the main features of a dataset.
What is ‘operational definition’?
A clear and precise description of how variables are measured or manipulated in a study.
True or False: A participant’s right to withdraw must be respected at all times during a study.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and randomly sampling from each.
Stratified
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of qualitative research? A) It is easy to analyze B) It provides rich, detailed data C) It is time-efficient D) It is objective
B) It provides rich, detailed data
What is a ‘null hypothesis’?
A statement that there is no effect or no difference, which researchers aim to test against.
True or False: A sample must always represent the entire population.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the degree to which a study’s findings can be generalized.
External validity
