Psychology Terms Flashcards
validity
Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure
reliability
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
laboratory experiment
researcher manipulates the IV in a controlled environment
field experiment
researcher manipulates the IV in a natural, realistic environment
quasi experiment
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
natural experiment
the IV is naturally occuring
correlation
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.
naturalistic observation: participant
- the observer collects data from participants’ in their natural environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting
- researcher is actively involved
naturalistic observation: non-participant
- the observer collects data from participants’ in their natural environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting
- researcher isn’t actively involved
naturalistic observation: convert
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;
case study
Case studies typically focus on a single individual, group or organisation that is unusual in some way
unstructured interview
- clear research objective, broad topics of themes of discussion
- direction of interview is determined by the interviewees
semi-structured interview
- 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
focus group
- 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
independent measures
different participants are used in each condition of the independent variable
Independent measures strengths
- avoids order effects
- increase in external validity bc more pps are used
Independent measures limitations
- more pps needed (more time consuming)
- participant variables
repeated measures
same participants take part in each condition of the IV
repeated measures strengths
- participant variables are reduced
- fewer pps are needed (less time consuming and cheaper)
repeated measures limitations
order effects (practice effect = second condition is better or fatigue effects = second condition is worse)
matched pairs
Each condition uses different participants, but they are matched in terms of important characteristics
matched pairs strengths
- 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
matched pairs limitations
- 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!
experimenter effects
These are the ways that the experimenter can accidentally influence the participant through their appearance or behaviour
