Psychological Inquiry Skills Flashcards
Identify the three data types
- Experimental
- Quantitative Observational
- Qualitative
What are the characteristics of an experimental design? (3)
- A scientifically rigorous design used to test whether one variable influences another (causation)
- Groups are randomly assigned
- Involves a control group
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an experimental design? (5)
Adv: - Reduced bias by random assignment - Cost effective - Reduced impact of extraneous variables Dis: - Views artificial behaviour - Low external validity due to the vigorous control over extraneous variables
What are the characteristics of a quantitative observational design? (2)
- Used when it is unethical to conduct an experiment.
- Groups are assigned based on pre-existing traits.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a quantitative observational design? (4)
Adv: - Can openly study ethically questionable topics - Cost effective Dis: - Open to extraneous variables - Causation cannot be inferred
What are the characteristics of a qualitative design? (4)
- Research is conducted to observe behaviours in real life
- Produces purely qualitative design
- Uses the Delphi technique (questionnaires and surveys)
- Uses focus groups
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a qualitative design?
Adv:
- Produces rich data due to it being purely qualitative
- Allows for the study of complex questions
Dis:
- Time consuming
- Doesn’t establish causation
State the three different data types?
- Objective quantitative
- Subjective quantitative
- Qualitative
What are the characteristics of objective quantitative data? (2)
- Data based on observations made by the experimenter
- Data that is NOT subjective to the participants thoughts and feelings.
Name a method of collection for objective quantitative data.
- Heart rate monitor
What are the characteristics of subjective quantitative data? (1)
- Data that is subject to the participants thoughts and feelings.
Name a method of collection for subjective quantitative data.
- Questionnaires
- Surveys
What are the characteristics of qualitative data? (1)
- Data based on the qualities and characteristics of the participant.
What are biological factors? (3)
- Physical health
- Genetics (genetic vulnerability)
- Drugs and alcohol
What are sociocultural factors? (3)
- Peers
- Family circumstances
- Relationships (family and peers)
What are psychological factors? (3)
- Self-esteem
- Emotions
- Mental health
List the ethical guidelines
- Right to withdraw
- Deception
- Informed consent
- Professional conduct
- Debriefing
- Protection from harm
- Voluntary participation
- Confidentiality
How do you calculate the mean of data (average)?
Add all the results and divide by the number of data values.
Describe the range of data (2)
- The range is the difference between the highest and lowest data values.
- A high range means a large spread of data and a low range means a low spread of data.
Describe standard deviation in terms of validity (2)
- A high standard deviation means a large spread of data and a low validity.
- A low standard deviation means a small spread of data and a high validity.
When an investigation is reliable, what does it mean?
- An investigation is reliable if it produces the same results when repeated.
When an investigation is valid, what does it mean?
- An investigation is valid if the data it produces is measuring the correct variable.
Describe internal validity
- Internal validity is concerned with the extent to which the data is due to the independent variable.
Describe external validity
- External validity is concerned with the extent results can be generalised beyond the study.
