Key Words Flashcards
Hypothesis
A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict/s will be the outcome of the study.
Aim
An aim identifies the purpose of the investigation.
Alternative Hypothesis
The alternative hypothesis states that there is a relationship between the IV and the DV.
Null Hypothesis
The null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the IV and DV.
One-Tailed Hypothesis
A one-tailed directional hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of the IV on the DV.
Two-Tailed Hypothesis
A two-tailed non-directional hypothesis predicts that the IV will have an effect on the DV, but the direction of the effect is not specified.
Variable
A variable is something that can be changed or varied, such as a characteristic or value. Variables are generally used in psychology experiments to determine if changes to one thing result in changes to another.
Independent Variable
The variable/s the experimenter manipulates (i.e. Changes).
Dependent Variable
A DV is the variable which is measured by the experimenter after they have manipulated the IV.
Extraneous Variables
Extraneous variables are other variables (not the IV) which could affect the results of the experiment e.g. the weather
Experimental design
The process of planning a study to meet specified objectives. The way you decide how to group your participants
Individual measures design
Where each participant is only assigned to one condition of the IV.
Repeated measures design
Where each participant is assigned to more than one condition of the IV
Matched-pairs Design
There are equal groups where participants are matched based on certain characteristics e.g. gender, age…etc. Each group takes part in a different condition of the IV.
Participant
A person that takes part in the experiment or study.
Confederate
A confederate is an actor who participates in an experiment as a subject along with the other participant(s).
Sample
A section of the population that is used to represent the group as a whole.
Random sample
Each participant of the study/experiment have an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Systematic sample
Participants of the study are selected in a logical way from a target population. For example, if 200 University students out of 2000 were required for a study, every 10th student from the University list/register would be selected.
Opportunity sample
Participants are selected based on who is available at the time and willing to participate.
Stratified sample
The researcher identifies the different types of people that make up the target population and works out the proportions needed for the sample to be representative.
Experiment
A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact by investigating the change of an IV and how it has an effect on the DV
Laboratory Experiment
An experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions to investigate the effect that the change of an IV has on the DV
Field Experiment
An experiment carried out in the everyday environment (i.e. real life) of the participants. The experimenter still manipulates the IV and tests the effect on the DV, but the researcher has no control over extraneous variables.
Quasi Experiment
In these experiments the researcher has no control over the IV, but instead must choose a variable that is naturally occurring within the participant and then test the effect it has on the DV. Quasi experiments can be carried out in artificial or natural settings.
Observations
Observing of participants behaviour through controlled or uncontrolled conditions.
Naturalistic observation
A research method where the participant’s behaviour is studied in a natural environment. Typically there would be no IV.
Controlled observation
Participant’s behaviour is usually observed in a controlled environment (laboratory). Typically there would be no IV unless it was a Lab experiment utilising observation.
Overt observations
The research is open with their participants about observing their behaviour. The participants know that they are being studied.
Covert Observations
The participants are unaware of the presence of the researcher and they are NOT made aware that their behaviour is being observed.
Participant observation
The observer takes part in the experiment.