Research Method Key Terms Flashcards
Definition of independent variable
The variable that the researcher changes in order to see if it has an effect on the DV
Definition of dependent variable
The variable being measured in the experiment
Definition of extraneous variable
Any variables which could have an effect on the the results which isn’t the IV
Definition of confounding variable
Any extraneous variables high weren’t controlled and therefore have had an impact on the results of the experiment, confounding them
Definition of experimental group
The group of participants who are exposed to the independent variable
Definition of control group
The group of participants who don’t receive the experimental treatment. Often used to show effectiveness of the IV
Definition of lab experiment
A research method that takes place in an artificial environment which enables the highest level of control for hypothesis testing.
Definition of field experiment
Research method which is carried out in everyday/ natural environments. The IV is still able to be manipulated but it’s harder to control extraneous variables
Definition of observation
To watch or listen to behaviours in others
Definition of interview
A live encounter where one person asks questions to assess an interviewees thoughts/ experiences
Definition of questionnaire
Respondents record their own answers in written form to predetermined questions
Definition of correlation
A relationship between 2 variables
Definition of case study
An in-depth and detailed study of 1 individual, group or event.
Definition of objectivity
When the research process/ results isn’t influenced by the researchers personal emotions, personal opinions, or expectations. Eg brain scan
Definition of subjectivity
When the researchers results are influenced by their personal opinions and feelings, this is a form of bias. Eg interview
Definition of reliability
Ensuring that all procedures are performed the same so that results are consistent,accurate and comparable.
Definition of internal validity
The extent to which a study establishes a trustworthy cause and effect relationship between the IV and DV.
Definition of ecological validity (type of external validity)
How well the research findings can be generalised beyond the particular study due to the environment the research was carried out in
Definition of mundane realism (type of external validity)
How well the task used in the experiment to generate results mirrors the tasks encountered in everyday life.
Definition of predictive validity
The degree to which scores are related to performance
Definition of generalisability
How well the findings of the study can be applicable to other people or settings. Eg small and un versatile sampling= low generalisability
Definition of experimenter effects
A form of bias that affects the validity of experiments due to the researcher deliberately or unconsciously influencing test results
Definition of demand characteristics
When participants change their natural reactions and behaviours (consciously or unconsciously) due to an awareness as to what’s expected of them in the experiment.
Definition of counterbalancing
A procedure which is used to eliminate order effects when using a repeated measure design- conditions are performed in reverse to each other using structure ABBA
Definition of order effects
When the conditions have an effect on the participants’ behaviour due to the order they’re carried out in
Definition of randomisation
The process of forming groups of people in a random manner
Definition of single blind procedure
When an experiment is carried out but the participants are unaware of what condition they’ve been assigned to- used to reduce demand characteristics
Definition of double blind procedure
When an experiment is carried out but the experimenter and the participants are unaware of which condition they’re involved in
Definition of confederate
When an individual is recruited by the lead experimenter to be apart of the experiment but undercover. For eg playing the role of a bystander, participant or team mate
Definition of pilot study
An small scale, initial run through of the procedures to be used in an experiment
Definition of placebo effect
When an improvement of symptoms is observed, despite using a non active treatment
