Psychological Research (Sem 1) Flashcards
Theory
A systematic way of organising and explaining observation about the relationship between phenomena.
Standardised Procedure
A procedure that is applicable to all participants, replicated almost identically to identify unbiased differences and similarities.
Hypothesis
A tentative belief about the relationship between two variables.
Variable
A characteristic of some sort.
Cultural Competence
Is achieved when research understands cultural context and differences and has a culturally appropriate methodology so theres no bias.
Retest Reliability
The tendency for a test to yield similar results from the same individual over time.
Internal Consistency
When asking different questions yields similar results.
Interretor Reliability
If the subject is interviewed by different people then they’ll still yield similar results.
Validity
A measures ability to assess the variable it’s supposed to assess.
Categorical Data vs Continuous Varaibles
Categorical data can be placed into a category.
Continuous variables are those that can be placed on a continuum.
Test Bias
A test is bias if there is a systematic difference in the mean scores of different groups of people.
Or if the results make incorrect predictions about real life. (outside the lab)
Description
Being able to summarise the data in a way that makes the events and relationships between phenomena easily understandable.
Prediction
Using the data to be able to identify what would happen in the future given similar circumstance.
Quasi-experiments
Experiments that aren’t controlled, more-so observed in nature.
Researches take ‘participants’ as they can find them.
Sample bias isn’t really considered.
Don’t provide same degree of certainty about cause and effect.
These are the most common.
Empirical
Based on verifiable observation rather than theory.
Quantitative Resarch
Involves experiments or surveys that provide data that can be quantified (Numbers).
Based on large sample size, high in reliability, extremely standardized.
Qualitative Research
Research that involves interview, observation and case studies, a more in depth understanding of fewer participants.
Correlational Research
Research that identifies the degree to which two variables or phenomena are related.
Variables are not manipulated, just viewed.
Descriptive Research
Describes phenomena that already exists, doesn’t manipulate variables.
Tends to be most useful in the context of discovery.
Case Study
An in-depth observation of one person or group of people.
Useful for generating hypotheses and in exploring complex phenomena that are not well understood or hard to examine experimentally.
(Like effects of being an orphan)
Naturalistic Observation
An observation in a natural setting.
Useful for describing phenomena as they exist outside the lab.
Survey Research
Large sample of questions about peoples attitudes or behaviors through interview or questionnaires.
Causation
When one variable dictates another
Experimental Research
Research where one aspect of a situation is changed (independent variable) to examine a participants reactions (independent variable) - helps to asses cause and effect.
Generalizability
When the sample is representative of the population (randomly selected)
AND
the procedure is sensible and relevant to circumstances outside of the lab.
Objective Measurement
Measurements must be reliable (they produce consistent results) and that are valid (they actually assess what is hypothesized).
Measurements have to be quantifiable.
A Measure
A concrete way of assessing a variable, a way of bringing an abstract concept down to earth.
Understanding
Identifying why something would happen - the casual factors that led to the results of the research.
Stratified Sample
A sample where the percentage of people drawn from each population category is specified so that samples aren’t over or under representations.
E.g. (1:4 or 1:12)
