psychology - research methods

Question 1

what is ethics in research

Answer 1

when the researcher must decide between/from the participant’s right to safety and meeting the goals of the experiment/research

Question 2

hypothesis

Answer 2

prediction between what we expect to find at the start - describes relationship between variables

Question 3

directional hypothesis
non directional hypothesis

Answer 3

directional- states the expected direction of the results
Non directional- states there is a difference between 2 variables but no what it is

Question 4

how do you decide which type of hypothesis you want to use?

Answer 4

Directional - when theory or particular outcome suggest a particular outcome
ND- no theory or previous studies are contradictory

Question 5

Null hypothesis-
Alternative hypothesis-

Answer 5

null- states there is no difference form the 2 variables being studied
Alternative- suggests there is a difference between 2 variables being studied

Question 6

describe what a confounding variable is

Answer 6

when extraneous Variables have an effect on the dependent variable

Question 7

Describe what demand characteristics are and how can they influence the investigation?

Answer 7

Demand characteristics are cues from the researcher/situation that give away what the aim and purpose of the investigation. This can influence the participants to act in a way to please the researcher

Question 8

Describe two ways to control extraneous Variables

Answer 8

standardised procedures: set sequence that applies to all participants e.g. them all being tested at the same time of day / environment
Randomisation: using chance during design of the investigation , key aspects are controlled by chance making sure there is no bias in the procedure

Question 9

What are repeated measures and evaluate them, is there a solution to the limitations?

Answer 9

• all particapants take part in both conditions of experiment and the scores are collected and compared for a diff
  Limitation 1: allows them to work out aim of the study could affect DV
  Limitation 2: the order of measures may affect performance
  solution: counter balancing

Question 10

what is counter balancing

Answer 10

• ensures each condition in RMD is tested 1st or 2nd in equal amounts by dividing the ppt in 2 groups
  group 1: does condition A than B
  grp 2: does condition b than A

Question 11

Describe what independent groups design are and problems and strengths.

Answer 11

• an experimental design when there are 2 separate groups of ppt who do 2 diff conditions of the experiment
  prob: ppt variables: each ppt is different and some are suited for diff tasks
  prob 2: 2x as many ppt , more costly and time consuming
  strength: order of effects aren’t a problem and can use random allocation

Question 12

Describe what matched pairs are and evaluation points

Answer 12

participants are put in pairs based on a variable relevant to the experiment e.g similar iQ levels. one ppt from each pair allocated to diff conditions
Limitations: time consuming, expensive , exact match is impossible, cant control all ppt variables
strengths: order of effects aren’t a problem

Question 13

Describe what a laboratory experiment is
i) what are the strengths
ii) what are the limitations

Answer 13

an experiment conducted in a highly controlled environment, where researcher controls every variable- researcher manipulates IV
i) well controlled, can be repeated, x influence of E variables
ii) artificial situations: lack eco validity, demand characteristics, tasks aren’t realistic so can’t be gen