Chapter 1 Science Skills And Research Methods Flashcards
Define a research hypothesis
A hypothesis is a testable prediction. It must identify the population and the strength/direction of a relationship between two variables.
Define independent variable
The variable that is directly manipulated in order to test it’s effect of the dependent variable
Define dependent variable
The variable that is measured in order to test the effect of the IV
How do you operationalize variables
Put in terms of HOW the variables are manipulated and measured
How many IV’s/DV’s can be present in a study
many dependent variables but only ever 1 independent variable.
Define experiment
An experiment is when a CAUSE and EFFECT relationship is MEASURED, by testing the effect of the IV on the DV
Define the Independent groups design
Every member of the sample is randomly allocated to either the control or experimental group
Define the matched participants design
Each member of the sample is paired based on a particular characteristic. Then, one member of each pair is randomly allocated to the control group. With the other member of the pair being placed in the experiential group.
Define the repeated measures design
Each member of the sample is involved in both the control and experimental conditions.
List an advantage and a limitation of the repeated measures experimental design
Advantage - no participant differences
Limitation - order effects
Define population
The group of interest from which the sample was drawn
Define sample
A subset of the population used as participants in the research
Define convenience sampling
A sample is selected in the quickest and easiest way possible
Define random sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample
Define stratified sampling
Break the population into groups and select participants from each group in the same proportion that they appear in the population.
Define extraneous variables
A variable that has an unwanted effect on the results and hence alters the dependent variable
Define confounding variable
A variable other than the IV the has a systematic effect on the value of the DV
Define order effects as an extraneous variable
An extraneous variable that occurs when the sequence of the two conditions impacts on the DV. i.e) boredom, knowledge or practise
Define counterbalancing
Used to eliminate the impact of order effects on the results.
Half of the participants are exposed to the control condition and then the experimental condition, while the order of conditions for the other half is reversed.
Define single blind procedure and explain how/why it is used
The participant is unaware whether they are in the control or experimental group.
Placebo - a treatment that has no known effects
– eliminates participant bias
Define double blind procedure
The experimenter and the participants are unaware if they are in the control or experimental group
