Psychology Reserch Methods Flashcards
What is a one tailed/ directional hypothesis?
A one tailed, directional experimental hypothesis stats that the IV will affect the DV and suggests how. It predicts the direction of results.
Why is a directional hypothesis chosen?
It is chosen when the direction of the results is clear because findings from previous research predict the likely direction.
What is a two tailed non directional hypothesis?
A two tailed non directional hypothesis states that the IV will affect the DV but it doesn’t suggest how. It doesn’t predict the direction of results.
Why is a non directional hypothesis used?
It is chosen when the direction if results is unclear because research has not been carried out, there are conflicting findings or previous research was heavily criticised.
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is chosen by the experimenter to manipulate.
What is a dependant variable?
The variable that is chosen by the experimenter to be measured.
What is operationalisation?
The act of putting IV and DV into practice by making them measurable with specific units of measurement.
What is an extraneous variable?
Any variable that may randomly affect the DV if left uncontrolled. Possible extraneous variables should be considered and minimised before the experiment takes place.
What is. A confounding variable?
Any variable that has affect the DV because it has been left uncontrolled.
Features f a laboratory experiment?
Carried out in a controlled environment where extraneous variables can be controlled. IV is directly manipulated by the experimenter and participants can be randomly allocated to the experimental or control conditions.
Features of a field experiment?
Carried out in a natural environment so extraneous variables can’t be controlled. The IV is directly manipulated by the experimenter and participants can be randomly allocated to the experiment or control conditions.
Features of a natural experiment?
Carried out in a natural or controlled environment. IV is not manipulated and acondiciona can’t be randomly allocated. No experimental control
Features of a quasi experiment?
Can be like any other experiment but cannot be randomly allocated as they will fall into a particular group. The DV is controlled.
Limitations of field experiments.
Limited control over extraneous variables.this can decrease internal validity.
Not always possible to gain informed consent.
Strengths of field experiments.
High mundane realism which increases the internal validity.
Low demand characteristics which increases the internal validity.
Strengths of lab experiments.
Easy to control variable which creases the internal validity.
Possible to establish causal and effect.
Limitations of lab experiments
low mundane realism which decreases the external validity.
High demand characteristics
Strength of natural experiments.
Ethical research with low harm.
High ecological validity.
Limitation of natural experiments.
Limited control over extraneous variables which decreases internal validity.
Difficult to establish cause and effect
What are experimental designs?
The arrangement of participants across conditions.
What are repeated measure designs?
The same participants are used in each condition so they experience the whole experiment.
What are independent group designs?
Different participants are used in each conditions. Only experience half the experiment.
What are matched pairs designs?
Different but similar people are used in each condition. They only experience half the experiment. This can be based on age, gender and intelligence.
Strength of repeated measure?
Remove individual differences. Improves internal validity.
Easier to establish cause and effect.
