Psychology Terms

Question 1

validity

Answer 1

Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure

Question 2

reliability

Answer 2

the consistency of a research study or measuring test. For example, if a person weighs themselves during the course of a day they would expect to see a similar reading. If findings from research are replicated consistently they are reliable

Question 3

laboratory experiment

Answer 3

researcher manipulates the IV in a controlled environment

Question 4

field experiment

Answer 4

researcher manipulates the IV in a natural, realistic environment

Question 5

quasi experiment

Answer 5

share characteristics of a laboratory experiment but it is not possible to randomly allocate pps to experimental or control groups as this is outside the control of the experimenter

Question 6

natural experiment

Answer 6

the IV is naturally occuring

Question 7

correlation

Answer 7

Correlational studies have no manipulated variable and therefore do not seek to establish causal relationships as is the case with experimental studies; they have two or more measured variables known as co-variables which are measured using quantitative data, e.g. through some sort of rating scale.

Question 8

naturalistic observation: participant

Answer 8

• the observer collects data from participants’ in their natural environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting
• researcher is actively involved

Question 9

naturalistic observation: non-participant

Answer 9

• the observer collects data from participants’ in their natural environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting
• researcher isn’t actively involved

Question 10

naturalistic observation: convert

Answer 10

In a covert observation, participants are unaware of the observer and according to the BPS this is ethical if the study takes place in a public setting;

Question 11

case study

Answer 11

Case studies typically focus on a single individual, group or organisation that is unusual in some way

Question 12

unstructured interview

Answer 12

• clear research objective, broad topics of themes of discussion
• direction of interview is determined by the interviewees

Question 13

semi-structured interview

Answer 13

• pre-determined set of questions in the interview schedule
• interviewer may deviate from this, asking follow-on questions if the interviewee presents an unanticipated and relevant view

Question 14

focus group

Answer 14

• 8-12 people who are interviewed together about a topic of common interest
• this size group works well allowing all members to have their say

Question 15

independent measures

Answer 15

different participants are used in each condition of the independent variable

Question 16

Independent measures strengths

Answer 16

• avoids order effects

- increase in external validity bc more pps are used

Question 17

Independent measures limitations

Answer 17

• more pps needed (more time consuming)

- participant variables

Question 18

repeated measures

Answer 18

same participants take part in each condition of the IV

Question 19

repeated measures strengths

Answer 19

• participant variables are reduced

- fewer pps are needed (less time consuming and cheaper)

Question 20

repeated measures limitations

Answer 20

order effects (practice effect = second condition is better or fatigue effects = second condition is worse)

Question 21

matched pairs

Answer 21

Each condition uses different participants, but they are matched in terms of important characteristics

Question 22

matched pairs strengths

Answer 22

• Reduces participant variables because the researcher has tried to pair up the participants so that each condition has people with similar abilities and characteristics
• Avoids order effects, and so counterbalancing is not necessary

Question 23

matched pairs limitations

Answer 23

• If one participant drops out you lose 2 PPs’ data
• Very time-consuming trying to find closely matched pairs
• Impossible to match people exactly, unless identical twins!

Question 24

experimenter effects

Answer 24

These are the ways that the experimenter can accidentally influence the participant through their appearance or behaviour