Cognitive research method

Question 1

What research method is used?

Answer 1

Experiment

Question 2

What are the different types of experiments?

Answer 2

This is often called a ‘laboratory’ experiment (because of where it usually takes place) or a ‘true’ experiment.

Question 3

When is an experiment used?

Answer 3

To answer a research question, a psychologist may conduct an experiment.

Question 4

Why are experiments useful?

Answer 4

This setting allows the investigator to control the environment to determine if a change in the Independent Variable (IV) causes a change in the Dependent Variable (DV).

Question 5

What is a true experiment?

Answer 5

A true experiment is defined as an experiment conducted where an effort is made to impose control over all other variables except the one under study.

Question 6

How to make sure that there is a cause and effect?

Answer 6

To be confident that a cause and effect relationship does exist, all other variables are controlled as best as possible. Variables that interfere with the action of the IV on the DV are called confounding variables.

Question 7

Goal of an experiment

Answer 7

The goal of an experiment is to determine whether a cause-and-effect relationship exists between two variables.

Question 8

An experiment is an example of what research?

Answer 8

The experiment is an example of quantitative research, which generates numerical data.

These data can be statistically tested for significance in order to rule out the role of chance in the results.

Question 9

Control variables

Answer 9

The idea of “control” is that when the researcher manipulates the independent variable, all other possible variables stay the same.

In other words, the procedure must be exactly the same in both groups; the only difference should be the manipulation of the independent variable.

Question 10

Both the independent and dependent variables must be operationalised. What does it mean?

Answer 10

They need to be written in such a way that it is clear what is being measured

Question 11

What does standardised mean?

Answer 11

This means that they have procedures that are written in enough detail that they can be easily replicated by another researcher.

Question 12

What is the cognitive approach study?

Answer 12

Loftus and Palmer

Question 13

What is the sociocultural approach study?

Answer 13

Tajfel et al (1971)

Question 14

What is the biological approach study?

Answer 14

Maguire (2000)