Introduction to Psychology

Question 1

Key Features of Experimental Investigation

Answer 1

• random allocation into control and experimental groups

- manipulation of an independent variable

Question 2

Advantages of Experimental Investigations

Answer 2

• allows researchers to imply causation
• studies can be replicated
• extraneous variables can be controlled easier compared to QOI

Question 3

Disadvantages of Experimental Investigations

Answer 3

• sample may not be a true representation of population
• may not apply to real world
• all variables may not be able to be controlled

Question 4

Key Features of Quantitative Observational Investigation

Answer 4

• presence of pre-existing groups

Question 5

Advantages of Quantitative Observational Investigations

Answer 5

• allows studies that may be unethical, time-consuming, impractical or expensive to be conducted
• may be more convenient at times
• can be carried out in a naturalistic setting

Question 6

Disadvantages of Quantitative Observational Investigations

Answer 6

• lack of random assignment weakens ability to imply causation
• sample data may not apply to whole population

Question 7

Key Features of Qualitative Investigation

Answer 7

• data collected in words or pictures

- usually involves open-ended questions

Question 8

Examples of Qualitative Investigations

Answer 8

• focus groups
• Delphi Technique
• open-ended questionnaire

Question 9

Describe a Focus Group

Answer 9

• informal interview of 6-12 people
• discussion led by trained facilitator
• observer takes notes

Question 10

Advantages of Focus Group

Answer 10

• not time-consuming

- good for participants who are illiterate

Question 11

Disadvantage of Focus Group

Answer 11

• don’t have an expert opinion
• confidentiality is not maintained
• a few people may dominate discussion
• people may not give genuine opinions in desire to be socially acceptable

Question 12

Describe the Delph technique

Answer 12

• series of open-ended questionnaires are distributed to experts in a particular area
• responses are returned and used to generate more questions
• process is continued until consensus is reached or enough information has been gathered

Question 13

Advantages of Delphi Technique

Answer 13

• expert opinions are gathered
• not necessary to have everyone together
• participants can express their opinions freely due to confidentiality and anonymity

Question 14

Disadvantages of Delphi Technique

Answer 14

• time consuming
• researcher bias can contaminate responses
• no one person can dominate responses

Question 15

Objective Quantitative Data

Answer 15

• based on fact, not opinion

- numerical

Question 16

Examples of Objective Quantitative Measures

Answer 16

• physiological measures (e.g. heart rate, etc.)
• scores on standardised tests
• behavioural counts

Question 17

Advantages of Objective Quantitative Measures

Answer 17

• hard to manipulate

- quick method of measuring

Question 18

Disadvantages of Objective Quantitative Measures

Answer 18

• don’t allow us to tell what type of emotion is being displayed
• doesn’t give the depth that qualitative results give

Question 19

Subjective Quantitative Data

Answer 19

• based on opinion

- numerical

Question 20

Examples of Subjective Quantitative Measures

Answer 20

• self report rating scale
• checklist
• fixed response questionnaire (yes/no)

Question 21

Advantages of Subjective Quantitative Measures

Answer 21

• less time consuming as content analysis isn’t necessary

- quick method for measuring opinions

Question 22

Disadvantages of Subjective Quantitative Measures

Answer 22

• people can lie, misunderstand or give socially acceptable answers, therefore not always reliable

Question 23

Qualitative Data

Answer 23

• very rich and detailed

- words and images

Question 24

Examples of Qualitative Measures

Answer 24

• Delphi Technique
• Focus groups
• open ended surveys

Question 25

Advantages of Qualitative Measures

Answer 25

• gives an explanation as to why people think/feel a certain way because it’s so detailed

Question 26

Disadvantages of Qualitative Measures

Answer 26

• content analysis is time consuming

- Interpretation of data by researchers is subjective therefore prone to experimenter bias

Question 27

What is content analysis?

Answer 27

• a technique used to analyse qualitative data

- compresses large amounts of text into fewer categories, referred to as coding

Question 28

Describe the process of content analysis

Answer 28

1. Organise data, become familiar, read and re-read
2. Identify core themes
3. Code the core themes
4. Keep track of themes (tally, frequency table)
5. Analyse

Question 29

What is standard deviation?

Answer 29

• refers to the variation around the mean

Question 30

What is reliability?

Answer 30

• whether a measure gives a similar result each time it’s used

Question 31

What is validity?

Answer 31

• whether measure records what is intended

Question 32

What is external validity?

Answer 32

• refers the the representativeness of a sample

- if a sample lacks representativeness then it lacks external validity

Question 33

Why are there ethical guidelines?

Answer 33

• to protect people from physiological and psychological harm

Question 34

What are the two areas that need to be considered when discussing ethics?

Answer 34

• vulnerable groups (children, people with pre-existing conditions, etc.)
• sensitive topics

Question 35

What are the 7 ethical issues?

Answer 35

• informed (parental) consent
• right to withdraw
• maintain confidentiality/anonymity
• debriefing
• voluntary participation
• accurate reporting
• deceit

Question 36

What is the point of animal ethics?

Answer 36

• to minimise distress

Question 37

How to minimise distress? (animal ethics)

Answer 37

provide adequate:
- food
- shelter
- water
- company of other animals
and if necessary, euthanise humanely