Chapter 1- Research Methods In Psychology

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

Logical process of problem solving applied to all sciences.

Question 2

8 Steps of the Scientific Method

Answer 2

1. Form a research aim
2. Collect information from previous research
3. Identify research question, form hypothesis
4. Design a research method to test hypothesis
5. Collect and analyse data
6. Accept or reject hypothesis
7. Report Findings
8. Test the conclusion (repeat experiment)

Question 3

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 3

The IV is a factor deliberately manipulated by the researcher, which is planned before the experiment

Question 4

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 4

The property measured in the research. It’s value depends on the IV.

Question 5

Operationalisation of a variable

Answer 5

States not only what the variable is, but how the variable is measured

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

A clear statement about how changes in the IV will affect the value of the DV on a given population

Question 7

Extraneous Variable

Answer 7

A variable other than the IV which could affect the value of the DV

Question 8

Confounding Variables

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Population

Answer 9

A particular group of individuals with a specific characteristic that the research aims to draw conclusions about

Question 10

Sample

Answer 10

The members of the population that have been chosen to take part in the experiment

Question 11

Convenience sample

Answer 11

Uses individuals that are easily available for the trial. The sample would be biased and the research results unreliable

Question 12

Random Sampling

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Stratified Random Sampling

Answer 13

1. Identify a property that may interfere (extraneous variable)
2. Measure the property for each member of the population
3. Divide population into strata
4. Select participants in equal portions from strata as in the original population using random sampling

Question 14

Experimental group

Answer 14

The group of participants that are exposed to the IV. Shows the effect of the IV on the DV

Question 15

Control group

Answer 15

The group of participants not exposed to the IV

Question 16

Random Allocation

Answer 16

All participants in the sample have an equal chance of being in the E-Group and C-Group

Question 17

Repeated measures

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Counterbalancing

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Matched Pairs

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Independent Groups

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Placebo Effect

Answer 21

Participants expectations can influence the results because they behave differently. Can be eliminated with a single blind procedure

Question 22

Experimenter effect

Answer 22

Outcome of the experiment being influenced by the behaviour of the experimenter

Question 23

Single Blind Procedure

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Double Blind Procedure

Answer 24

Participants are allocated in a way in which neither they nor the experimenter know which group they are in

Question 25

Non-standardised methods

Answer 25

If the instructions are administered differently between the E-group and C-group the results could be confounded

Question 26

Qualitative Data

Answer 26

Descriptions for what is being measured. Subject to bias and interpretation

Question 27

Quantitative Data

Answer 27

Numerical information about the data being studied

Question 28

Subjective Data

Answer 28

Based on opinion and feelings, have no external yardstick to standardise the value

Question 29

Objective Data

Answer 29

Measured based on an external criterion. Results would be the same no matter who they were attained from (ie. BAC reading from a breathalyser)

Question 30

Nominal Data

Answer 30

There is no order or quantitative value. (ie. Religion)

Question 31

Ordinal Data

Answer 31

There is a definite order to the data, but the interval between data points is not constant

Question 32

Ratio Data

Answer 32

There is a definite order and the interval between data points is the same (ie. centimetres)

Question 33

Case Study

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Observational Study

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Observer Effect

Answer 35

The participant changes their behaviour because they are being observed

Question 36

Observer Bias

Answer 36

The observer interprets what they see because of their expectations of what they will see

Question 37

Descriptive Statistics

Answer 37

Give the shape of the data, the distribution of the data within a graph. Types of descriptive statistics include Mean, Median and Mode

Question 38

Inferential Statistics

Answer 38

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

Question 39

p-Value

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Conclusion

Answer 40

The final decision about what the results mean, whether the hypothesis has been accepted or rejected

Question 41

Generalisation

Answer 41

A judgement about whether the findings can be applied to the population or not

Question 42

Role of the experimenter

Answer 42

Researcher must always act in a professional manner ensuring the best interests of the participants and society are met

Question 43

Participant rights

Answer 43

1. Confidentiality 2. Voluntary participation 3. Withdrawal Rights

Question 44

Informed Consent

Answer 44

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

Question 45

Deception in Research

Answer 45

Only permitted if the results would otherwise be confounded. Participants must be debriefed about any type of deception in the debrief

Question 46

Debriefing

Answer 46

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