Introduction to Psychology Flashcards
Key Features of Experimental Investigation
- random allocation into control and experimental groups
- manipulation of an independent variable
Advantages of Experimental Investigations
- allows researchers to imply causation
- studies can be replicated
- extraneous variables can be controlled easier compared to QOI
Disadvantages of Experimental Investigations
- sample may not be a true representation of population
- may not apply to real world
- all variables may not be able to be controlled
Key Features of Quantitative Observational Investigation
- presence of pre-existing groups
Advantages of Quantitative Observational Investigations
- 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
Disadvantages of Quantitative Observational Investigations
- lack of random assignment weakens ability to imply causation
- sample data may not apply to whole population
Key Features of Qualitative Investigation
- data collected in words or pictures
- usually involves open-ended questions
Examples of Qualitative Investigations
- focus groups
- Delphi Technique
- open-ended questionnaire
Describe a Focus Group
- informal interview of 6-12 people
- discussion led by trained facilitator
- observer takes notes
Advantages of Focus Group
- not time-consuming
- good for participants who are illiterate
Disadvantage of Focus Group
- 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
Describe the Delph technique
- 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
Advantages of Delphi Technique
- expert opinions are gathered
- not necessary to have everyone together
- participants can express their opinions freely due to confidentiality and anonymity
Disadvantages of Delphi Technique
- time consuming
- researcher bias can contaminate responses
- no one person can dominate responses
Objective Quantitative Data
- based on fact, not opinion
- numerical
Examples of Objective Quantitative Measures
- physiological measures (e.g. heart rate, etc.)
- scores on standardised tests
- behavioural counts
Advantages of Objective Quantitative Measures
- hard to manipulate
- quick method of measuring
Disadvantages of Objective Quantitative Measures
- don’t allow us to tell what type of emotion is being displayed
- doesn’t give the depth that qualitative results give
Subjective Quantitative Data
- based on opinion
- numerical
Examples of Subjective Quantitative Measures
- self report rating scale
- checklist
- fixed response questionnaire (yes/no)
Advantages of Subjective Quantitative Measures
- less time consuming as content analysis isn’t necessary
- quick method for measuring opinions
Disadvantages of Subjective Quantitative Measures
- people can lie, misunderstand or give socially acceptable answers, therefore not always reliable
Qualitative Data
- very rich and detailed
- words and images
Examples of Qualitative Measures
- Delphi Technique
- Focus groups
- open ended surveys
Advantages of Qualitative Measures
- gives an explanation as to why people think/feel a certain way because it’s so detailed
Disadvantages of Qualitative Measures
- content analysis is time consuming
- Interpretation of data by researchers is subjective therefore prone to experimenter bias
What is content analysis?
- a technique used to analyse qualitative data
- compresses large amounts of text into fewer categories, referred to as coding
Describe the process of content analysis
- Organise data, become familiar, read and re-read
- Identify core themes
- Code the core themes
- Keep track of themes (tally, frequency table)
- Analyse
What is standard deviation?
- refers to the variation around the mean
What is reliability?
- whether a measure gives a similar result each time it’s used
What is validity?
- whether measure records what is intended
What is external validity?
- refers the the representativeness of a sample
- if a sample lacks representativeness then it lacks external validity
Why are there ethical guidelines?
- to protect people from physiological and psychological harm
What are the two areas that need to be considered when discussing ethics?
- vulnerable groups (children, people with pre-existing conditions, etc.)
- sensitive topics
What are the 7 ethical issues?
- informed (parental) consent
- right to withdraw
- maintain confidentiality/anonymity
- debriefing
- voluntary participation
- accurate reporting
- deceit
What is the point of animal ethics?
- to minimise distress
How to minimise distress? (animal ethics)
provide adequate: - food - shelter - water - company of other animals and if necessary, euthanise humanely
