Chapter 1- Research Methods In Psychology Flashcards
Scientific Method
Logical process of problem solving applied to all sciences.
8 Steps of the Scientific Method
- Form a research aim
- Collect information from previous research
- Identify research question, form hypothesis
- Design a research method to test hypothesis
- Collect and analyse data
- Accept or reject hypothesis
- Report Findings
- Test the conclusion (repeat experiment)
Independent Variable (IV)
The IV is a factor deliberately manipulated by the researcher, which is planned before the experiment
Dependent Variable (DV)
The property measured in the research. It’s value depends on the IV.
Operationalisation of a variable
States not only what the variable is, but how the variable is measured
Hypothesis
A clear statement about how changes in the IV will affect the value of the DV on a given population
Extraneous Variable
A variable other than the IV which could affect the value of the DV
Confounding Variables
A variable other than the IV which has a systematic effect on the DV. If it exists, the research is invalid and the results are useless
Population
A particular group of individuals with a specific characteristic that the research aims to draw conclusions about
Sample
The members of the population that have been chosen to take part in the experiment
Convenience sample
Uses individuals that are easily available for the trial. The sample would be biased and the research results unreliable
Random Sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the trial. Every member of the population is assigned a number and a random number generator randomly selects numbers/ participants
Stratified Random Sampling
- Identify a property that may interfere (extraneous variable)
- Measure the property for each member of the population
- Divide population into strata
- Select participants in equal portions from strata as in the original population using random sampling
Experimental group
The group of participants that are exposed to the IV. Shows the effect of the IV on the DV
Control group
The group of participants not exposed to the IV
Random Allocation
All participants in the sample have an equal chance of being in the E-Group and C-Group
Repeated measures
Each participant is part of both the E-Group and C-Group. Participant variables will be eliminated, but it may lead to order effects which can confound results if not taken into consideration
Counterbalancing
Half the sample will do be part of the experimental group first and the control group second. The other half of the sample will be part of the control group first and the experimental group second
Matched Pairs
Participants are matched on a characteristic that the researcher believes may confound the results. Participants with a similar value for the variable are matched, and 1 person from each pair becomes part of the E-Group, and the other person part of the C-Group. Participant variables eliminated, but very costly and time consuming
Independent Groups
Randomly allocates the sample into the E-group and the C-group. Very quick and cost effective, however the groups can be biased and participant variables can affect the results
Placebo Effect
Participants expectations can influence the results because they behave differently. Can be eliminated with a single blind procedure
Experimenter effect
Outcome of the experiment being influenced by the behaviour of the experimenter
Single Blind Procedure
Removes the placebo effect. Participants are allocated to the C and E-Groups in a way in which they do not know which one they are in
Double Blind Procedure
Participants are allocated in a way in which neither they nor the experimenter know which group they are in
Non-standardised methods
If the instructions are administered differently between the E-group and C-group the results could be confounded
Qualitative Data
Descriptions for what is being measured. Subject to bias and interpretation
Quantitative Data
Numerical information about the data being studied
Subjective Data
Based on opinion and feelings, have no external yardstick to standardise the value
Objective Data
Measured based on an external criterion. Results would be the same no matter who they were attained from (ie. BAC reading from a breathalyser)
Nominal Data
There is no order or quantitative value. (ie. Religion)
Ordinal Data
There is a definite order to the data, but the interval between data points is not constant
Ratio Data
There is a definite order and the interval between data points is the same (ie. centimetres)
Case Study
An in depth study of a special person or small group of people. Collects detailed information, but are very time consuming and the results cannot be generalised to a population
Observational Study
Research where there is no manipulation of an independent variable by the researcher. Participants are watched either in a natural setting, a controlled setting or a clinical interview
Observer Effect
The participant changes their behaviour because they are being observed
Observer Bias
The observer interprets what they see because of their expectations of what they will see
Descriptive Statistics
Give the shape of the data, the distribution of the data within a graph. Types of descriptive statistics include Mean, Median and Mode
Inferential Statistics
Help researchers decide if the results are due to the IV causing changes in the DV. Allow them to decide whether the results can be generalised or not. Include p-values
p-Value
The chance out of 100 that the difference would be achieved by chance alone (ie. p-value of 0.05 means 5 in 100 chance). Any p value < 0.05 is statistically significant
Conclusion
The final decision about what the results mean, whether the hypothesis has been accepted or rejected
Generalisation
A judgement about whether the findings can be applied to the population or not
Role of the experimenter
Researcher must always act in a professional manner ensuring the best interests of the participants and society are met
Participant rights
- Confidentiality
- Voluntary participation
- Withdrawal Rights
Informed Consent
Participants are given information prior to the study before they agree to take part. Those too young or intellectually disabled must have a guardian to give consent
Deception in Research
Only permitted if the results would otherwise be confounded. Participants must be debriefed about any type of deception in the debrief
Debriefing
Takes place after the study. Participants are notified of the results and conclusions of the study, any deception in the study and are offered counseling if required
