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RESEARCH METHODS + STATS > LECTURE 5 > Flashcards

LECTURE 5 Flashcards

1
Q

What are confounding variables? .

A

Extraneous variables that influence the results of a study

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2
Q

What are examples of confounding variables?

A

Participant characteristics, situational variables, and expectancy effects.

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3
Q

What are expectancy effects?

A

When participants’ expectations unconsciously affect the study’s outcome.

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4
Q

How can confounding variables be minimized in between-subjects designs?

A

By ensuring constancy across groups.

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5
Q

What are three methods of participant allocation in between-subjects designs?

A

Natural groups, matched groups, and random allocation.

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6
Q

What is a natural group design?

A

Using pre-existing groups, like smokers vs. non-smokers, but it doesn’t control for confounding variables.

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7
Q

What is a matched group design?

A

Matching participants based on certain characteristics, like age, to minimize confounds

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8
Q

What is random allocation design?

A

Randomly assigning participants to groups to balance extraneous variables.

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9
Q

What is a within-subjects design?

A

The same participants experience all conditions of the experiment.

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10
Q

What is counterbalancing?

A

A method to control order effects in within-subjects designs by varying the order of conditions.

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11
Q

What are order effects?

A

Changes in participants’ performance due to the sequence of conditions, such as practice or fatigue.

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12
Q

What is a complete within-subjects design?

A

Participants experience all conditions multiple times, with varied order within participants.

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13
Q

What is an incomplete within-subjects design?

A

Participants experience each condition only once, with order varied between participants.

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14
Q

What is the Latin Square design?

A

A counterbalancing method ensuring each condition occurs in each position exactly once.

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15
Q

What is block randomization?

A

Randomizing the order of conditions multiple times for each participant.

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16
Q

What is an ABBA design?

A

Presenting conditions in one sequence and then the reverse (e.g., A-B-B-A).

17
Q

What are limitations of counterbalancing?

A

Time-consuming, doesn’t control individual differences, and can’t prevent differential transfer effects.

18
Q

What are observational methods?

A

Techniques for studying people or animals in natural or controlled environments without manipulating variables

19
Q

What are the two types of observational data?

A

Qualitative (natural, unspecific behavior) and quantitative (specific, measurable behavior).

20
Q

What is naturalistic observation?

A

Observing behavior as it naturally occurs without intervention.

21
Q

What are the advantages of naturalistic observation?

A

High external validity and ability to study complex social situations.

22
Q

What are the disadvantages of naturalistic observation?

A

Time-consuming and purely descriptive, with no causal conclusions.

23
Q

What is participant observation?

A

The researcher becomes part of the group being studied, either overtly or covertly.

24
Q

What is structured observation?

A

Researchers create an event or manipulate the environment to observe specific behaviors.

25
Q

What is a field experiment?

A

A controlled experiment conducted in a natural setting.

26
Q

What is inter-rater reliability?

A

The consistency of ratings between two or more observers.

27
Q

What can improve inter-rater reliability?

A

Clear categories, definitions, and observer training.

28
Q

What is participant reactivity?

A

Participants modifying their behavior due to being observed.

29
Q

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

A

When participants alter their behavior because they are aware of being observed.

30
Q

How can participant reactivity be minimized?

A

Using unobtrusive measures, disguised observation, habituation, or indirect methods.

31
Q

What is observer bias?

A

Systematic errors due to the observer’s expectations or preconceptions.

32
Q

How can observer bias be minimized?

A

Using blind observers and thorough observer training.

33
Q

Why are observational studies important despite their limitations?

A

They provide valuable insights when experiments are impractical or unethical.

RESEARCH METHODS + STATS (8 decks)

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