Key science skills Flashcards
Model def
Representation of a concept, process or behaviour in order to simplify and represent
Scientific idea
- aim to be objective
- utilise and produce empirical evidence
- are formed using the methods of science
- use predictions, models, and theories that are provisional and verifiable to explain reality.
Non-scientific idea
*non-objective
* unempirical
* imprecise or vague
* dogmatic (not open to questioning)
* unverifiable.
Non-scientific ideas may be formed on the basis of:
* anecdote
* opinion
* intuition
considered reasoning
* hearsay
Theories def
Proposition or set of principles which explain something or predicts a course of events
Scientific method
a procedure used to obtain
knowledge that involves
hypothesis formulation,
testing, and retesting
through processes
of experimentation,
observation, measurement,
and recording
Types of psychological studies
Correlational study
Experimental studies
Controlled experiments
the causal relationship between two variables is tested in a controlled environment;
- the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable is tested while aiming to control all other variables
case studies
an in-depth
investigation of an
individual, group, or
particular phenomenon
contain a real or hypothetical situation
correlation studies
a type of non-experimental
study in which researchers
observe and measure the
relationship between two
or more variables without
any active control or
manipulation of them
population def
population= Group of people who are the focus of the study/research
>what the sample is drawn from
sample def
Sample= the subset of the population who participate in the study
sampling techniques
the way a sample is
selected from the
population for a study
convenience sampling
Readily available members of the population
>easy
>convenient
-e.g. asking 100 people entering a sport stadium to complete a survey
random sampling
Using selection procedures which ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected
e.g.
stratified sampling
any sampling technique
that involves selecting
people from the population
in a way that ensures that
its strata (subgroups) are
proportionally represented
in the sample
allocation
Process of assigning participants to experimental conditions or groups
>Random allocation= equal chance
extraneous variables
something that may cause an unwanted effect on the dependant variable that is not the independent variable
> if identified at end of study becomes confounding variable
confounding variables
Variables that have directly and systematically affected the dependant variable, other than IV
>Identifiable at end of study
participant related variables
Difference in characteristics between participants in study that may effect the results
to control:
-Choice of experimental design
-Larger sample size
order effects
The sequence/order in which participants receive the conditions may influence the DV (ie fatigue
to control:
- counter balancing
> some do A then B, others to B then A
placebo effect
when participants respond to an inactive substance
or treatment as a result
of their expectations
or beliefs
to control:
> single blind= participants don’t know what if in control or experimental group
Placebo
an inactive
substance or treatment
experimenter effects
researchers expectations influencing DV/ effects of experiment
to control:
> Double blind= neither researcher or participant knows the experimental/control group
situational effects
Factors in the environment which may affect the DV(ie, temp, lighting, weather, time)
to control:
-standardised instructions and conditions
> try to test in same environment
