Collecting Data 1.9/1.14 Flashcards
Direct Observation
Recording the behavioural patterns of people, objects and events systematically as you observe them.
Data Collection Sheet
A table or tally chart for recording your results
If replicating the experiment gives very similar results then what is the data?
Valid and Reliable
Simulation
Used to model real life events, to help prediction of what could actually happen.
Explanatory Variable
Changed in order to test the effect on the dependant variable.
(AKA Independant Variable)
Response Variable
Variable being measured during an experiment.
AKA Dependant Variable
Extraneous Variable
Stays the same in order to improve fairness and validity of an experiment.
(AKA Control Variable)
Does a Laboratory Experiment need to be completed in a Laboratory?
No.
Advantages of a Laboratory Experiment?
- Easy to replicate (repeat) because you can copy the experiment exactly
- Complete control over the extraneous variables.
Disadvantages of a Laboratory Experiment?
- Test subjects may behave differently if they know they are under ‘test conditions’ compared to how they would in real life.
Field Experiment
Experiments carried out in test subjects’ everyday environment. Researcher sets up the situation and controls one or more variables.
Disadvantages of a Field Experiment?
- Can’t control all extraneous variables that can effect the experiment.
Advantages of a Field Experiment?
- More likely to replicate real life behaviours.
Field Experiments
Experiments carried out in test subjects’ everyday environment. Researcher sets up the situation and controls one or more variables.
Natural Experiments
Experiments carried out in test subjects’ everyday environment in which the researcher has zero control in any variables.
Advantages of a Natural Experiment?
- Likely to reflect real life behaviours.
Disadvantages of a Natural Experiment?
- Can’t replicate exactly as variables aren’t controlled
Questionnaire
A set of questions designed to obtain data.
Respondant
The person competing the questionnaire
Closed question
A question which the answers are given to choose from.
Open question
A question which the response could be a range of different answers.
Opinion Scale
Used often in closed questions.
Tick the boxes :
Agree, Strongly Agree, etc.
What is the problem with an opinion scale?
Most people answer within the middle as they do not want to seem extreme.
In a questionnaire, the questions should be:
- Short and simple language used
- Avoiding leading or biased questions
- Give non-overlapping intervals
- Make sure options cover all possibilities
- Include a time frame in the question, (if applicable)
- Avoid questions that will likely be answered dishonestly.