Key features of research

Question 1

Define aim

Answer 1

A statement of a study’s purpose

Question 2

Define directional hypothesis

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Define Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 3

Predicts a difference. Used when there is little previous research or research findings which are inconclusive.

Question 4

Define Independent variable

Answer 4

The variable being directly manipulated by the researcher.

Question 5

Define Dependent variable

Answer 5

The result of a change. It is being measured.

Question 6

Define operationalised variable

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Define Situational variables

Answer 7

Anything about the environment which might affect pp’s performance. eg. time of day

Question 8

Define participant variables

Answer 8

Anything specific to the individual which might influence the results. eg. age, gender.

Question 9

Define Demand characteristics

Answer 9

When participants form an idea about the purpose of the study. They may show the desired response to please the researcher.

Question 10

Define lack of standardisation within a procedure

Answer 10

When different groups experience different instructions, are given different stimuli, leading to invalid results.

Question 11

Define experimenter bias

Answer 11

Researcher’s expectations can influence how they design the study, how they behave towards pps, and how they analyse their results.

Question 12

Define controls

Answer 12

Conditions to keep variables constant and regulated, ensuring that the factor is kept constant across different levels of IV.

Question 13

Define a pilot study

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Define independent groups design

Answer 14

Different groups of pps who are tested in different conditions of the IV.

Question 15

Strengths of independent group

Answer 15

-No order effects

Question 16

Weaknesses of independent group

Answer 16

• Participant variables

- Need twice as many participants, making it time-consuming and expensive

Question 17

Define repeated measures design

Answer 17

All participants take part in every condition of the IV.

Question 18

Strengths of repeated measures

Answer 18

• No individual differences.

- Fewer participants needed, making it less time-consuming and cheaper

Question 19

Weaknesses of repeated measures

Answer 19

-Order effects because pps can practice the task. They can use counter balancing to avoid this problem.

Question 20

Define Matched pairs design

Answer 20

Different participants in each condition but each pp is matched with another pp on an important variable which might affect the results

Question 21

Strengths of matched pairs

Answer 21

• No order effects

- No participant variable: important differences are minimised

Question 22

Weaknesses of matched pairs

Answer 22

-Need twice as many pp and it will be time-consuming to match them

Question 23

Define random sampling

Answer 23

When every member of the target group has an equal chance of being selected. E.g. Placing names in a hat.

Question 24

Strengths of random sampling

Answer 24

Fair. Everyone has an equal chance, making it likely to be representative.

Question 25

Weaknesses of random sampling

Answer 25

• Does not guarantee a representative sample.

- impractical with large target groups.

Question 26

Define opportunity sampling

Answer 26

When researcher samples whoever is available and willing to be studied. Eg. Asking people who walk by you on street

Question 27

Strengths of opportunity sampling

Answer 27

-Quick and practical way

Question 28

Weaknesses of opportunity sampling

Answer 28

Sample is unlikely to be representative, which means we cannot confidently generalize.

Question 29

Define volunteer sampling

Answer 29

When people actively volunteer to be in a study by responding to a request which has been advertised by the researcher.

Question 30

Strengths of volunteer sampling

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

Weaknesses of volunteer sampling

Answer 31

• 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.

Question 32

Population

Answer 32

All people who could be used in the study. The same type of people living in the same place.

Question 33

Sample

Answer 33

A group of participants who are recruited to take part in the study.

Question 34

Describe two controls in Andrade

Answer 34

• The control had lined paper and doodling group doodling paper
• All PPs were equally bored by taking them from another study