psychology paper 3 Flashcards
Identify the method used and outline two characteristics of the method (3 marks)
Name the method (experiment, observation, case study, etc.)
Describe two features specific to that method (e.g., lab experiments have IV/DV, high control over variables).
List the six research methods you must know for Paper 3. (COICES)
Experiments (lab, natural, quasi)
Observations (controlled, natural, covert, overt, participant, non-participant)
Case studies
Correlations
Surveys (questionnaires)
Interviews (structured, unstructured, semi-structured, focus groups)
Describe the sampling method used in a study (3 marks)
Identify the sampling method (opportunity, random, self-selected, snowball, stratified).
Explain how it works with an example.
What are the five types of sampling? (ROSSS)
Opportunity sampling
Random sampling
Self-selected (volunteer) sampling
Snowball sampling
Stratified sampling
Suggest an alternative/additional research method and give one reason (3 marks)
Choose a different method or type (e.g., if structured interview was used, suggest focus group) and explain why it could improve the study (e.g., increase validity, ecological validity).
What are the Magic 6 ethical considerations?
(Remember: DUD CAR)
Debriefing
Undue stress or harm
Deception
Consent
Anonymity
Right to withdraw
Describe ethical considerations in reporting and applying findings (6 marks)
Reporting:
Anonymity
Reflexivity
Objectivity
Avoiding social stigma
Applying:
Generalisability
Preventing misuse by groups
Educational value
Discuss how a researcher could ensure that the results are credible (9 marks)
Triangulation (method used, data - qualitative/quantitative-, researcher)
Participant feedback (member checking)
Reflexivity
Adequate sampling
Discuss how the researcher could avoid bias.
Use blind controls
Careful sampling
Reflexivity
Triangulation
Peer review
What factors affect generalizability in quantitative research?
Representative sample
Sample size
Ecological validity
What factors affect transferability in qualitative research?
Representational generalisation (sample represents wider population)
Maintaining key variables across contexts
Ability to generate theory
True (lab) Experiments
Features: Random allocation, IV/DV, causation, controls, operationalised variables
Strengths: Reliability, control over variables (high internal validity)
Weaknesses: Low ecological validity, potential researcher bias
Natural experiments
Features: IV naturally occurring, not manipulated by researcher
Strengths: High ecological validity
Weaknesses: Lack of control over variables
Quasi experiments
Features: IV based on existing differences (e.g., gender, age)
Strengths: Ecological validity
Weaknesses: No control over IV, confounding variables possible
Field experiments
Features: Conducted outside the lab in real-world settings
Strengths: High ecological validity
Weaknesses: Less control over extraneous variables
Semi-structured interviews
Features: Interview guide used but flexible questions allowed
Strengths: High validity (rich, detailed data)
Weaknesses: Lower reliability
Structured Interviews
Features: Set questions asked in a fixed order
Strengths: High reliability
Weaknesses: Reduced validity (limited responses)
Unstructured Interviews
Features: Conversational style, no strict questions
Strengths: High validity (rich, in-depth data)
Weaknesses: Low reliability
Focus Groups
Features: Group discussions led by researcher (5–10 people)
Strengths: High validity (varied perspectives)
Weaknesses: Low reliability
Surveys
Features: Collects info from large groups, often with closed questions
Strengths: Large sample sizes, easy trend identification
Weaknesses: Limited validity (restricted response options)
Case Studies
Features: Detailed study of an individual or small group, often longitudinal with triangulation
Strengths: High validity (long-term, multiple data sources)
Weaknesses: Low population validity (small sample size)
Observations
Features: Can be naturalistic or controlled, participant or non-participant, covert or overt
Strengths: Rich qualitative data (high validity)
Weaknesses: Time-consuming, small samples limit generalizability
Correlations
Features: Measures relationship between two variables
Strengths: Useful when experiments aren’t possible (e.g., brain scans)
Weaknesses: Cannot establish causation
