Quantitative research methods Flashcards
(26 cards)
Operationalised
Variables must be written in a way that it is clear what is being measured
Standardised procedures
variables that are kept constant in order to avoid influencing the relationship between the IV and the DV
Random allocation to conditions
in a true experiment participants are randomly allocated to conditions in order to avoid sampling bias
Lab experiment
An experiment done under highly controlled conditions
Field experiment
An experiment done in a natural setting (there is less control over variables)
True experiment
An IV is manipulated and a DV measured under controlled conditions. Participants are randomly allocated to conditions.
Quasi experiment
No IV is manipulated and participants are not randomly allocated to conditions. Instead, it is their traits that set them apart.
Natural experiment
An experiment that is the result of a naturally occurring event
Quantitative data
Numerical data
Qualitative data
data representing information and concepts that are not represented by numbers
Validity
how accurately a method measures what it is intended to measure
Expectancy effect
When participants may guess or have figured out the researcher/s aim of the study and may act in a way that they think they are expected to act
Reactivity
A phenomenon that occurs when individuals alter their performance or behaviour due to the awareness that they are being observed
Counterbalanced
A procedure that allows a researcher to control the effects of nuisance variables in designs where the same participants are repeatedly subjected to conditions, treatments, or stimuli
Null hypothesis (H0
This can be thought of as the implied hypothesis. “Null” meaning “nothing.” This hypothesis states that there is no difference between groups or no relationship between variables. The null hypothesis is a presumption of status quo or no change
Alternative hypothesis (Ha)
Known as the claim. This hypothesis should state what you expect the data to show based on your research on the topic.
Extraneous variables
(also called confounding variables) are undesirable variables that influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
Demand characteristics
when participants act differently simply because they know that they are in a study. They may try to guess the aims of the study and act accordingly.
Screw you effect
The participant attempts to discern the experimenter’s hypotheses, but only in order to destroy the credibility of the study
Social desirability effect
When the participant answers in a way that makes him/her look good to the researcher. This is done to avoid embarrassment or judgment.
Researcher bias
When the experimenter sees what he or she is looking for
Double-blind control
Not only do the participants not know whether they are in the experimental or control group, but the person carrying out the experiment does not know the aim of the study, nor which group is the treatment and which one is the control group
Participant variability
A limitation of a study when the characteristics of the sample affect the dependent variable
Positive correlation
When both variables are affected in the same way (as x increases y increases)
