Key features of research Flashcards
Define aim
A statement of a study’s purpose
Define directional hypothesis
Predicts a specific difference between the groups in the experiment. Normally used when there is a previous research which suggests which way the results will go.
Define Non-directional hypothesis
Predicts a difference. Used when there is little previous research or research findings which are inconclusive.
Define Independent variable
The variable being directly manipulated by the researcher.
Define Dependent variable
The result of a change. It is being measured.
Define operationalised variable
When we state how that variable will actually be measured. This allows precise measurement of variables, making it easier to replicate and confirm the results.
Define Situational variables
Anything about the environment which might affect pp’s performance. eg. time of day
Define participant variables
Anything specific to the individual which might influence the results. eg. age, gender.
Define Demand characteristics
When participants form an idea about the purpose of the study. They may show the desired response to please the researcher.
Define lack of standardisation within a procedure
When different groups experience different instructions, are given different stimuli, leading to invalid results.
Define experimenter bias
Researcher’s expectations can influence how they design the study, how they behave towards pps, and how they analyse their results.
Define controls
Conditions to keep variables constant and regulated, ensuring that the factor is kept constant across different levels of IV.
Define a pilot study
A small-scale version of the study which is run before the actual research is carried out. It helps to establish whether design works, whether pps understand instructions, and whether anything is missed out.
Define independent groups design
Different groups of pps who are tested in different conditions of the IV.
Strengths of independent group
-No order effects
Weaknesses of independent group
- Participant variables
- Need twice as many participants, making it time-consuming and expensive
Define repeated measures design
All participants take part in every condition of the IV.
Strengths of repeated measures
- No individual differences.
- Fewer participants needed, making it less time-consuming and cheaper
Weaknesses of repeated measures
-Order effects because pps can practice the task. They can use counter balancing to avoid this problem.
Define Matched pairs design
Different participants in each condition but each pp is matched with another pp on an important variable which might affect the results
Strengths of matched pairs
- No order effects
- No participant variable: important differences are minimised
Weaknesses of matched pairs
-Need twice as many pp and it will be time-consuming to match them
Define random sampling
When every member of the target group has an equal chance of being selected. E.g. Placing names in a hat.
Strengths of random sampling
Fair. Everyone has an equal chance, making it likely to be representative.
Weaknesses of random sampling
- Does not guarantee a representative sample.
- impractical with large target groups.
Define opportunity sampling
When researcher samples whoever is available and willing to be studied. Eg. Asking people who walk by you on street
Strengths of opportunity sampling
-Quick and practical way
Weaknesses of opportunity sampling
Sample is unlikely to be representative, which means we cannot confidently generalize.
Define volunteer sampling
When people actively volunteer to be in a study by responding to a request which has been advertised by the researcher.
Strengths of volunteer sampling
Large number of people may respond, making it more representative.
Obtain a range of different occupations, making it more generalizable.
May allow more in depth analysis and more accurate results.
Weaknesses of volunteer sampling
- Likely to be biased because they are highly motivated to help.
- Limits the kinds of people who take part because they might have similar characteristics.
Population
All people who could be used in the study. The same type of people living in the same place.
Sample
A group of participants who are recruited to take part in the study.
Describe two controls in Andrade
- The control had lined paper and doodling group doodling paper
- All PPs were equally bored by taking them from another study
