Chapter 1 review Flashcards
Aim
A statement outlining the purpose
of an investigation
Hypothesis
A testable prediction about the outcome of an investigation
Population
A group of people who are the focus of the research and from which the sample is drawn
Sample
a subset of the research population who participate in a study
Controlled experiment
An investigation in which the causal relationship between two variables is tested in a controlled environment
The effect of the IV on the DV is tested while aiming to control all other variables
Variable
Is a condition/component of an experiment that can be
measured or manipulated
Independent variable (IV)
The variable manipulated by the researcher
Assumed to have a direct effect on the DV
Dependent variable (DV)
The variable measured in an experiment
Changes it may experience due to the effect of the IV
Controlled variables
Are the variables other than the IV that a researcher holds constant in an investigation
Ensures that change in the DV is due to change in the IV
Case study
An in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or particular phenomenon that contains a real or hypothetical situation
Correlational study
A non-experimental study in which researchers observe and measure the relationship between two or more variables without any active control or
manipulation of them
Classification
Is the arrangement of phenomena, objects, or events into manageable sets
Identification a process
Is the recognition of phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or
unique set
Fieldwork
Research involving observation and interaction with people and the environments in real-world
settings
Literature review
The process of collating and analysing secondary data related to other people’s scientific findings/viewpoints in order to answer a question.
OR to provide background
information to help explain observed events
OR as preparation for an investigation to generate primary data
Modelling
The construction/ manipulation of either a physical model, or a conceptual model that represents a system involving concepts that help people know, understand, or simulate the system
Simulation
a process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system
Experimental group
the group of participants in an experiment who are exposed to a manipulated IV
Control group
the group of participants in an experiment who receive no experimental treatment or intervention (serve as a baseline for comparison)
Within-subjects design
an experimental design in which participants complete every experimental condition
Between-subjects design
an experimental design in which individuals are divided into different groups and complete only one experimental condition
Mixed design
an experimental design which combines elements of within-subjects and between-
subjects designs
Generalisable
the ability for a sample’s results to be used to make conclusions about the wider research population
Sampling technique
the way a sample is selected from the population for a study
Convenience sampling
a sampling technique that involves selecting readily available members of the population
Random sampling
A sampling technique that uses a procedure to ensure every member of the population has the same chance of being selected
Stratified sampling
A sampling technique that involves selecting people from the population
in a way that ensures that its strata are proportionally represented in the sample
Allocation
is the process of assigning participants to experimental conditions or groups
Extraneous variable
any variable that is not the IV but may cause an unwanted
effect on the DV
Confounding variable
a variable that has directly and systematically affected the DV, apart from the IV
Situational variables
any environmental factor that may affect the dependent variable
Participant-related variables
characteristics of a study’s participants that may affect the results
Order effects
the tendency for the order in which participants complete experimental conditions to have an effect on their behaviour
Placebo and Placebo effect
Placebo an inactive substance or treatment
Placebo effect is when participants respond to an inactive substance or treatment as a result of their expectations or beliefs
Experimenter effect
When the expectations of the researcher affect the results of an experiment
Non-standardised
instructions and
procedures
when directions and procedures differ across participants or experimental conditions
Demand characteristics
things in an experiment that may signal to a participant the intention of the study + influence their behaviour
Counterbalancing
a method to reduce order effects that involves ordering experimental conditions in a certain way
Single-blind procedure
a procedure in which participants are unaware of the experimental group
or condition they have been allocated to
Double-blind
procedure
a procedure in which both participants and the experimenter do not know which conditions or groups participants are allocated to
Primary and secondary data
Primary data is collected first-hand by a researcher
Secondary data is sourced from others’ prior research
Quantitative and qualitative data
Quantitative data is expressed numerically
Qualitative data is expressed
non-numerically
Objective and subjective data
Objective data is factual
data that is observed and
measured independently
of personal opinion
Subjective data is data that
is informed by personal opinion, perception, or
interpretation
Systematic errors
Errors in data that differ
from the true value by a
consistent amount
Random errors
Errors in data that are unsystematic and occur due to chance
Repeatability
The extent to which successive measurements or studies produce the same results when carried out under identical conditions within a short period of time
Reproducibility
The extent to which successive measurements
or studies produce the same results when repeated under
different conditions
Validity
The extent to which psychological tools and investigations truly support their findings or conclusions
Internal validity
The extent to which an investigation truly measures or investigates what it claims to
External validity
The extent to which the results of an investigation can be applied to similar individuals in different settings
Conclusion
A statement that summarises the findings of a study, including whether the
hypothesis was supported or rejected
Beneficence
When research is considered through the scope of maximising the benefits to society while minimising harm to others. Research must be weighed against the potential risks or discomfort to participants.
Integrity
Involves the researcher’s commitment to the honest conducting and reporting of research. Also relies upon scrutiny of the research & its procedure so that the knowledge & understanding gained through research can be trusted in its broader application
Justice
Ensures fair treatment for all, from selection through to result collection
Non-maleficence
Also known as the ‘no harm principle’. If potential harm/discomfort is involved in research, the harm/discomfort does not outweigh the potential benefit(s) that could eventuate
Respect
Shown through the consideration of an individual’s welfare, but also through the appreciation of participant’s uniqueness, autonomy and freedom of expression.
Confidentiality
A participants right to privacy with regard to access, storage and disposal of information collected about them related to the study. No disclosure of information unless written consent is obtained by the participant
Informed consent
The researcher must obtain written permission before an experiment commences. The consent form must inform the participants about their rights, any possible psychological or physical harm they may encounter and research procedures present in the study
Deception
Should only occur if necessary. As giving participants information before a study may influence their behaviour & hence affect results, deception can be used in such cases. If this does occur, researchers must ensure all participants are thoroughly debriefed
Debriefing
Participants are informed of the study’s true purpose once the experiment has ended. All mistaken attitudes or beliefs are corrected and all deception explained. An opportunity giving any information regarding the study must be provided, including additional support & counselling
Voluntary participation
A participant willingly decides to take part in an experiment without experiencing any pressure or coercion. There are also no negative consequences if they decide not to participate
Withdrawal rights
A participants right to leave a study at any time without negative consequences or pressure to continue. Must be adhered to during and after the experiment. If a person feels uncomfortable during any activity, even a follow-up, or wish to remove their results, they can do so without consequence.
