Features of Research Design

Question 1

Aims

Answer 1

The aim is a statement of the study’s prupose.

Research states its aim beforehand so it is clear what the study intends to investigate

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A precie and testable statement of the predicted relationships between variables

Question 3

Research Hypothesis

Answer 3

Called ‘experimental’ or ‘alternative’ - if a non - experimental method is used

Question 4

Directional Hypothesis

Answer 4

Perdicts the nature of the effect of the IV on the DV, the expected difference between conditions.

Question 5

Operationalisation of Variables

Answer 5

For a hypothesis to be testable it has to operationalise variables - exactly how concepts are defined and actioned within a study

Question 6

Independant Variable

Answer 6

The independant variable is under the control/directly manipulated by the researcher

Question 7

Dependant Variable

Answer 7

The dependant variable is affected by the IV.

The DV is measured for changes caused by the IV.

Question 8

Non-directional

Answer 8

Predicts there is a relationship/differences between conditions but not the nature of the difference

Question 9

Pilot Studies

Answer 9

A small scale trial run of a study to test any aspects of a design with a view of making improvements and to increase reliability.
Problems can be tackled beforehand - could save wasting time and money.

Question 10

Selection of Participants - Sampling

Answer 10

Target group - the part of the population you are interested in studying = target group.
Unlikely you can test the entire target group; therefore a sample must be made.

Question 11

Random

Answer 11

Every member of the target group has equal chance of selection

Question 12

Random +

Answer 12

likely to be representative as attemptd to avoid bias

Question 13

Random -

Answer 13

is it possable to identify all potential members? Impractical therefore not absolutely random.
No garentee that it will be random.

Question 14

Opportunity

Answer 14

Researcher samples whoever is available and willing to take part

Question 15

Opportunity +

Answer 15

practical, quick and convenient

Question 16

Opportunity -

Answer 16

unlikely to be representative, cannot confidently generalise the findings

Question 17

Volunteer

Answer 17

participants respond to a request advertising research

Question 18

Volunteer +

Answer 18

can produce large samples if request broadly cast

Question 19

Volunteer -

Answer 19

not likely to be representative - are volunteers ‘different’ more cooperative etc

Question 20

Stratified Sample

Answer 20

subgroups within the population identified

Question 21

Stratified Sample +

Answer 21

likely to be more representative than other methods because it is proportional and random

Question 22

Stratified Sample -

Answer 22

very time consuming to idenfity subgroups than randomly select participants

Question 23

Systematic Sample

Answer 23

use a predetermined system to select participants

Question 24

Systematic Sample +

Answer 24

unbiased if first person selected randomly

Question 25

Systematic Sample -

Answer 25

could be manipulated if first person is not selected randomly