Component 2-research methods

Question 1

Identify the key features of an experiment [2]

Answer 1

The experimental method involves the manipulation of the IV to see if this has any effect on the DV, in order to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, any extraneous variables are controlled.

Question 2

Explain the difference between the aims of a study and a hypothesis. [2]

Answer 2

Aims of a study is a statement of what a researcher(s) intends to find out in a research study, whereas a hypothesis is a precise, testable statement about the assumed relationship between variables.

Question 3

Explain what is meant by ‘operationalisation’ [3]

Answer 3

To ‘operationalise’ is to ensure that variables are in a form that can be clearly tested. In order for a concept to be investigated, such as ‘educational attainment’, it needs to be specified more clearly, for example, this concept could be operationalised as ‘GCSE grade in maths’.

Question 4

Explain why standardisation is important in research procedures. [2]

Answer 4

Standardisation is important in research procedures, as if the procedures are not standardised, the results may vary, due to changes in procedure rather than because of the IV. Additionally standardisation is important in research procedures, as if enables the study to be repeated.

Question 5

what is meant by the AIM of the research?

Answer 5

A statement of what the researcher intends to find out in a research study.

Question 6

Types of hypothesis: What is meant by the alternative/experimental hypothesis

Answer 6

A precise and testable statement which predicts what change(s) will occur to the DV when the IV is manipulated. Operationalisation is key to making the hypothesis testable.

Question 7

Types of hypothesis: What is a Null Hypothesis?

Answer 7

A null hypothesis states that there will be no changes to the DV due to manipulating the IV. It states the results are due to chance and are not significant in supporting the idea being investigated.

Question 8

Types of hypothesis: What is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 8

A non-directional hypothesis is

Question 9

Deciding on a research question: alternative hypothesis

Answer 9

any hypothesis except the null hypothesis, that states that the IV will have an effect on the DV

Question 10

Directional hypothesis

Answer 10

states the direction of the predicted effect that the IV will have on the DV

Question 11

Non-Directional hypothesis

Answer 11

predicts simply that the IV will have an effect on the DV but does not state in what direction

Question 12

null hypothesis

Answer 12

the assumption of no relationship between variables being studies

Question 13

Independent variables (IV)

Answer 13

the variable that is manipulated in an experiment to test its effect on the DV

Question 14

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 14

The variable being influenced by the IV, which can be measured

Question 15

Co-Variables

Answer 15

2 variables that are examined to see whether a correlation exists between them

Question 16

Operationalisation of variables

Answer 16

defining the variables clearly so that they can be objectively manipulated or measured

Question 17

confounding variables

Answer 17

any variable other than the IV that may affect the DV, confounding the results

Question 18

Extraneous variables

Answer 18

variables that may affect the DV, but differ from the IV, so it’s not clear what variable has had the effect on the DV so is difficult to detect a significant effect.