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Psychology resrach methods > Research in Psychology > Flashcards

Research in Psychology Flashcards

1
Q

Psychology

A

Scientific study of behaviour and mental processes

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2
Q

falsifiable

A

possible to be proven wrong

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3
Q

Behaviour

A 
External, observable manifestations that can be registered by an independent observer
Includes:
Overt reactions
Gestures
Facial expressions
Verbal responses
Endocrine reactions
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4
Q

Mental processes

A 
Internal patterns of information processing that cannot be directly observable.
Includes:
Attention
Perception
Memory
Thinking
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5
Q

Quantitative research

A

Research that uses numerical data

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6
Q

Main types of quantitative research

A

Experimental studies
Correlational studies
Descriptive studies

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7
Q

Variable

A

Something that can take on varying values and any characteristic that is objectively registered and quantified

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8
Q

Construct

A

Any theoretically defined variable that cannot be directly observed
E.g.:
Violence
Aggression

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9
Q

Operationalisation

A

Expression of a construct in terms of observable behaviour

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10
Q

Experimental studies

A

Includes:
1 independent variable(manipulated by researcher)
1 dependent variable(measured)
Other variables are controlled
Only method that allows cause-and-effect inferences

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11
Q

Inferences

A

Change in the IV causes a change in the DV

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12
Q

Correlational studies

A

Does not manipulate any variable(no DV/IV variables)
Variables are measured and the relationship between them is quantified
Can only conclude that as one variable changes, the others change too

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13
Q

Limitations of correlational studies

A

Cannot make cause-and-effect indifferences, as a result of not being able to manipulate the variables
Unable to conclude direction of influence(what caused the change)
There could be a third variable

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14
Q

Descriptive studies

A

Relationships between variables are not investigated and variables are approached seperately
Mainly used for conducting boarder investigations of a phenomenon before ‘delving deeper’ into specifics
Example:
Public opinion survey

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15
Q

Qualitative research

A

In depth study about a particular phenomenon

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16
Q

How qualitative data can be measured

A

Interviews

Observations

17
Q

Qualitative data can be measured in texts:

A

Interview transcripts

Observations

18
Q

Sampling

A

the process of finding and recruiting individuals for the study

19
Q

Sample

A

A group of individuals taking part in a research study

20
Q

Credibility

A

Refers to the degree to which results of the study can be trusted to reflect the reality
It is closely linked to bias

21
Q

Generalisability

A

The extent to which the results of the study can be applied beyond the sample and the settings

22
Q

Population validity

A

generalised to a wider population

23
Q

Ecological validity

A

whether research conducted in artificial settings can be generalised to a natural setting in daily life

24
Q

Confounding variable

A

Variable that can potentially distort the relationship between the IV and the DV
Need to be controlled by eliminating them or keeping them constant in all groups of participants

25
Q

Target population

A

Is the group of people you want to know more about

Group of people to which

26
Q

Representativeness

A

The key property of a sample

It is achieved if a sample reflects all of the key populations’ essential characteristics

27
Q

Sampling techniques

A

Random sampling
Stratified sampling
Convenience/opportunity sampling
Self selected sampling/ volunteers

28
Q

Random sampling

A

Every member of a target population has an equal change of becoming a sample
It is the ideal approach to make the sample representative
Not always possible for practical reasons

29
Q

Stratified sampling

A

More theory-driven, ensures theory-defined essential characteristics of population are fairly and equally represented in a sample

30
Q

Convenience (opportunity sampling)

A

Participants that are more easily available and recruited

E.g. University students

31
Q

When convenience (opportunity) sampling is mostly used

A

Financial resources and time are limited
People are not that different in terms of the phenomenon under their study
Useful when wide generalisation of findings is not the primary goal of the research

32
Q

Limitation of convenience (opportunity) sampling

A

Lack of representativeness

33
Q

Self selected sampling

A

Refers to recruiting volunteers

34
Q

Strength of self-selecting sampling

A

Quick and relatively easy way to recruit individuals while at the same time having a wide coverage

35
Q

Limitation of Self-selected sampling

A

Lack of representativeness

Motivation- by financial incentives

36
Q

Hypothesis

A

An educated guess

Psychology resrach methods (3 decks)

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