experiments

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

A theory is an explanation of why something happens (e.g. you failed the test because you studied with the TV on)

Question 2

What is a Hypothesis?

Answer 2

A hypothesis is a specific prediction of what will happen when you control the situation (students who study with a tv on will remember less)

Question 3

How is a study carried out? using a..

Answer 3

Study uses a method - in this case an experiment - to test a hypothesis.

Question 4

In an experiment, what things must it include?

Answer 4

Research aim

Research question

Creating a hypothesis

Choosing which sample type to use choosing an experimental design.

Correctly operationalise the variables.

Question 5

What do experiments require? (variables)

Answer 5

Controlled conditions

An IV that the researcher can manipulate

A DV that the researcher can measure

At least 2 conditions for the independent variable

Question 6

What is a research aim?

Answer 6

A aim is a statement which will broadly point out what the research aims to accomplish and the desired outcomes of the research. It also identifies the purpose of the investigation.

Question 7

What is a research question?

Answer 7

this is the question that the researcher sets to investigate/answer. (should include: what/how/when/how often)

Question 8

What should the hypothesis be?

Answer 8

Bold - must state ‘significant’ (consisent, generalisable)
Precise - Must be operationalized (use measurable variables)
Tesable - must be refutable (possible to disprove)
Experimental hypothesis - There will be a significant difference in (the dv) between [condition A of the IV] and [condition B of the IV]

Question 9

What are the 4 different types of hypothesis?

Answer 9

Null hypothesis

Alternative hypothesis

1 tailed hypothesis

2 tailed hypothesis

Question 10

What are the 3 different types of measure designs?

Answer 10

Repeated measures

Independent measures

Matched pairs

Question 11

What is a repeated measure design?

Answer 11

2 groups of participants both completing the same conditions (same task) Each participant would first experience condition A, later on, experience B.

AB-BA technique:
One group will do A then B, the other group will do B then A, because if participants did both tests, they could either get better or worse techniques.

Question 12

What is independent measure design?

Answer 12

2 different conditions

1 group - energy drink -> then give them a task
Other group - water -> then give them a task

Question 13

What is Matched pairs design?

Answer 13

Participants are paired together on a variable or variables that are relevant to the experiment.

Question 14

What are the 4 different types of experiments? (based on settings)

Answer 14

Laboratory experiment

Field experiment

Natural experiment

Quasi experiment

Question 15

Describe a Laboratory experiment

Answer 15

Takes place in a highly controlled environment.

Does not have to be in a laboratory.

Researcher manipulates the IV and records the effects on the DV.

This type of experiment allows the establishment of causality, The IV is manipulated by the researcher.

Question 16

Describe a Field experiment

Answer 16

Takes place in a natural, everyday environment. In everyday situations.

Researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV.

Question 17

Describe a Quasi experiment

Answer 17

Almost an experiment but not really,
The IV is based on an existing difference between people (e.g. age or gender)

No-one manipulates the IV, it just exists.

In which the IV occurs naturally. For example: a study of gender where males and females are compared. This type of experiment is often used when it is unethical to manipulate an IV.

Groups are chosen on a certain criteria based on different characteristics. Researchers often don’t have control over the experiment.

Question 18

Describe a Natural experiment

Answer 18

he researcher takes advantage of pre-existing IV.

The IV is not brought about by the researcher; it would have happened even if the researcher was not there.

Natural experiment= experiment in which the IV varies naturally; the experimenter does not manipulate it but record the effect on the DV,

For example:
studying the mental health of native americans on reservation when a casino opens during the study, allowing the researchers to study the effects of decreasing poverty on mental health (costello et al,2003) this type of experiment is often used when it is unethical to manipulate an IV.
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An IV has occurred or will occur naturally without the influence of the researcher. Researcher just records changes in the DV.
Natural events like: a disaster, political decisions.