B1: GENERAL ISSUES Flashcards
AIMS
A broad statement of the purpose of the research.
- intends to find out, often based on previous research or studies
- focused, researchable, practical & use specific language
VARIABLES
The events, characteristics, behaviours, or conditions the researcher measures & studies.
- IV
- DV
- Co-variables
- CV
- EV
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
The variable that is being manipulated or changed by the researcher, often the difference between conditions.
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The variable that is measured by the researcher to establish the affect the IV has had.
The results obtained from measuring dependent variable will show the research to establish cause & effect.
CO-VARIABLES
The variables within a correlation & refer to the two variables within a correlation being correlated to establish whether there is a relationship between them.
OPERATIONALISATION
Variables that are explained in ways that are detailed, objective + measurable.
For example, to record people’s mood, a survey could be used w/ a scale of 1-10 how they feel every hour.
CONFOUNDING VARIABLES
Variables in a study that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher but affect the results of SOME (or Certain) participants’ behaviour.
- Inconsistent & quite difficult to control
- Negative consequences for validity
EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES
Variables in a study that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher but affect the results of ALL (or Every) participants’ behaviour equally.
- Generally consistent
- Negative consequences for validity
Hypotheses
A predictive statement about what the researcher expects to find.
Experimental/Alternative hypotheses
Experimental = when an experimental research method has been used
Alternative = when a non-experimental research method has been used
Directional hypotheses
It predicts the IV WILL affect the DV and states EXACTLY how this difference will occur.
- Researcher is confident about what they expect to find.
Non-directional hypotheses
It predicts the IV WILL affect the DV BUT does NOT state exactly how.
- Researcher is unsure about what they may find.
Null hypotheses
It predicts that the IV will have NO affect on the DV.
- There will be no significant difference between the two conditions.
Target population
The group of individuals the researcher is interested in.
- e.g. young people in the UK
Sampling frame
A smaller group of people within the TP.
Sample
The group of P’s that are used in the research.
Random sampling
Each member of the TP has an equal chance of being selected.
- e.g. drawing names out of a hat
Opportunity sampling
Selects those who are available at the time.
- e.g. a classroom
Volunteer/Self-selected sampling
Create an advert which identifies the aim + how to participate, displaying it in a suitable location and wait for potential P’s to respond.
Systematic
Calculate the nth interval in order to obtain a suitable sample, then select every nth person on the list.
- e.g. a school register and every 5th person.
Stratified
Identify the TP + the sub-groups, assessing the proportion of sub-groups and how many P’s are needed from each group in the sample. Choose P’s from sub-groups randomly.
Quota
Identify the TP + the sub-groups, assessing the proportion of sub-groups and how many P’s are needed from each group in the sample. Choose P’s from sub-groups opportunistically.
Snowball
Use opportunity for initial sample and P’s will identify further P’s from people they know.
Representative
P’s represent the TP
Findings contain population validity + can be generalised.
Unrepresentative
P’s do not represent TP
Findings lack pop. validity + cannot be generalised.
Unbiased
Researcher has no control over who is selected + which condition they are placed in.
Findings will have improved validity + study should be accurately measuring the behaviour under investigation.
Biased
Researcher is in control over who is selected + selects P’s to support their hypothesis.
Findings will not be valid + study will not be accurately measuring the behaviour under investigation.
Less time consuming
Researcher does not need personal details to contact the sample, not concerned w/ reflecting individual differences within the sample.
Less time dedicated to planning which will help reduce the funding costs of the study.
Time consuming
Personal details are difficult to identify or individual differences need to be fully reflected.
More time will need to be dedicated to planning which will directly increase the funding costs of the study.
