Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Question 1

Experiment

Answer 1

where IV is manipulated between two conditions to measure the DV, other variables are controlled

Question 2

Independent Variable

Answer 2

the variable that is measured

Question 3

Dependent Variable

Answer 3

the change caused by the IV

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

predicts what the researcher expects to happen.

Question 5

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

does not predict which way the independent variable will affect the dependent variable, but states there will be a significant difference between the conditions

Question 6

Directional hypothesis

Answer 6

predicts the direction of the outcome of an investigation. (better or worse)

Question 7

Null hypothesis

Answer 7

states the manipulation of the IV will have no effect on the DV, and any differences found would be due to chance

Question 8

Reliability

Answer 8

gives consistent findings
E.g. IQ tests

Question 9

Internal validity

Answer 9

measures what it claims to measure
E.g. an IQ test should measure intelligence

Question 10

External validity

Answer 10

findings can be generalised (applied) beyond the study

Question 11

Repeated measures design

Answer 11

all participants take part in all of the conditions of the study

Question 12

Matched pairs design

Answer 12

different participants are used in each condition, but they are matched on key characteristics relevant to the study

Question 13

Independent groups design

Answer 13

participants only participate in one condition of the study

Question 14

Order Effects

Answer 14

when participants perform differently in each condition as they have already performed the task
can be overcome using counterbalancing

Question 15

Field Experiment

Answer 15

an experiment that takes place in the natural environment for the behaviour being measured

Question 16

Laboratory Experiment

Answer 16

an experiment done in highly controlled conditions.
An IV is manipulated, a DV is measured

Question 17

Extraneous variable

Answer 17

A nuisance variable which affects all conditions making differences due to IV more difficult to measure

Question 18

Demand Characteristics

Answer 18

when participants change their behaviour because they believe they have guessed the purpose of the investigation
done to please or annoy the experimenter

Question 19

Confounding variables

Answer 19

An extraneous variable that interacts systematically with the IV and affects the DV
confounds the result

Question 20

Cause and effect conclusion

Answer 20

when the change in the DV can be directly attributed to the IV as all variables have been controlled and the scientific method applied

Question 21

Operational definition/operationalisation

Answer 21

A precise & measurable definition of a variable in a specific experiment.
E.g. memory may be defined by the number of words correctly recalled from a list