Psychology Glossary with Examples

Question 1

Define Ecological Validity

Answer 1

Relates to whether or not a piece of research is true to real life or not - based off time or setting e.g. observing children in a nursery/ school rather than a lab

Question 2

Define Quantitative Data:

Answer 2

Numerical Data or data that can be turned into statistical form e.g. % of yes/no answers

Question 3

Define Qualititive Data:

Answer 3

Data that is detailed and in depth and in the form of description e.g. a description on how certain group/ individuals behave

Question 4

Define a Sample:

Answer 4

The participents who are used in research to represent the TARGET POPULATION e.g. 100 male/ female age 16-18 to be involved in an investigation on the subject of technology

Question 5

Define a Longitudinal Study:

Answer 5

• studies same person/ group over time
• tracks the development of behaviour overtime
• collects multiple sets of data
e.g. Trialing a new drug for 3 months, track the development/ changes of this person

Question 6

Define a Snapshot Study:

Answer 6

• Conducted at one point in time
• Collects one set of data
• Doesn’t track the development of behaviour
e.g. doing an investigation in one day gaining one set of data