B1: GENERAL ISSUES

Question 1

AIMS

Answer 1

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

Question 2

VARIABLES

Answer 2

The events, characteristics, behaviours, or conditions the researcher measures & studies.
- IV
- DV
- Co-variables
- CV
- EV

Question 3

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Answer 3

The variable that is being manipulated or changed by the researcher, often the difference between conditions.

Question 4

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

CO-VARIABLES

Answer 5

The variables within a correlation & refer to the two variables within a correlation being correlated to establish whether there is a relationship between them.

Question 6

OPERATIONALISATION

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

CONFOUNDING VARIABLES

Answer 7

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

Question 8

EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Hypotheses

Answer 9

A predictive statement about what the researcher expects to find.

Question 10

Experimental/Alternative hypotheses

Answer 10

Experimental = when an experimental research method has been used
Alternative = when a non-experimental research method has been used

Question 11

Directional hypotheses

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Non-directional hypotheses

Answer 12

It predicts the IV WILL affect the DV BUT does NOT state exactly how.
- Researcher is unsure about what they may find.

Question 13

Null hypotheses

Answer 13

It predicts that the IV will have NO affect on the DV.
- There will be no significant difference between the two conditions.

Question 14

Target population

Answer 14

The group of individuals the researcher is interested in.
- e.g. young people in the UK

Question 15

Sampling frame

Answer 15

A smaller group of people within the TP.

Question 16

Sample

Answer 16

The group of P’s that are used in the research.

Question 17

Random sampling

Answer 17

Each member of the TP has an equal chance of being selected.
- e.g. drawing names out of a hat

Question 18

Opportunity sampling

Answer 18

Selects those who are available at the time.
- e.g. a classroom

Question 19

Volunteer/Self-selected sampling

Answer 19

Create an advert which identifies the aim + how to participate, displaying it in a suitable location and wait for potential P’s to respond.

Question 20

Systematic

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Stratified

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Quota

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Snowball

Answer 23

Use opportunity for initial sample and P’s will identify further P’s from people they know.

Question 24

Representative

Answer 24

P’s represent the TP
Findings contain population validity + can be generalised.

Question 25

Unrepresentative

Answer 25

P’s do not represent TP
Findings lack pop. validity + cannot be generalised.

Question 26

Unbiased

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Biased

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Less time consuming

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Time consuming

Answer 29

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.