Component 2 all definitions Flashcards
What is the aim of a research study?
A general statement about the purpose of the research
Define hypothesis.
A precise statement about the expected outcome of the investigation
What is a null hypothesis?
A statement stating that no difference will be found between variables in the research
What does a directional hypothesis specify?
It specifies what the effect will be between variables
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states there will be an effect but does not specify what the effect will be
What is an independent variable?
Something that the experimenter manipulates or changes and is assumed to have an effect on the dependent variable
Define dependent variable.
A variable that is affected by the changes in the independent variable
What are extraneous variables?
Any variable other than the independent variable that could have an effect on the dependent variable
What are confounding variables?
A variable that varies systematically with the independent variable
What are participants variables?
A form of extraneous variable
What are situational variables?
A form of extraneous variable
What are experimenter variables?
A form of extraneous variable
Define bias in research.
Some form of distortion that prevents a clear reflection of the attitude or behavior being studied
What does it mean for a group to be representative?
A group that is a true reflection of the overall population
What is a standardised procedure?
Ensuring all steps and instructions of the research are kept exactly the same for all participants
What is counterbalancing?
Balancing out order effects, used with repeated measures by splitting the sample into two groups
Define demand characteristics.
Anything that allows participants to discover the purpose of the research and change their behavior
What is a double blind study?
Neither the participant nor the experimenter knows what condition they are in
What is a single blind study?
The participant is unaware of which condition they are in
What is inter-rater reliability?
Two separate experiments complete and document the same research and check they have the same results
Define order effects.
Any differences in results due to the order that the experimental tasks are presented in
What is independent measures design?
One group does one task, another group does another; each participant only takes part in one condition
What is repeated measures design?
The whole group does one task and then another; each participant takes part in all conditions
What is matched pairs design?
It is independent measures but the groups are deliberately balanced
What is the target population?
The whole group with which the study is concerned
Define systematic sampling.
Every nth person on a list is selected to take part in the study
What is random sampling?
Participants all have the same chance of being selected (e.g. names out of a hat)
What is opportunity sampling?
Individuals that are available to the researcher at the time
What is volunteer sampling?
Individuals that put themselves forward to participate in the research
Define stratified sampling.
The population is divided into subgroups; the sample must be representative of those subgroups
What is informed consent?
All participants must fully understand and agree to participate in the research
What does deception mean in research?
Lying or hiding the true purpose of the research
What is the right to withdraw?
Participants can stop or leave the research at any time
What does confidentiality mean in research?
All participants’ personal details must not be shared
What is protection from harm in research?
Participants have the right to be protected from any physical or psychological harm throughout the study
What is a debrief?
Following the research, all participants should be told the true aims of the study
