Research Methods 1 Flashcards
Independent variable
This is the variable that changes OR is manipulated (by the researcher) to see if it has an EFFECT on the DV.
Dependent variable
This is the variable that the researcher measures. To see the effect of the IV
Operationalising
Operationalising means to be specific and clear when defining the independent and dependent variable in an experiment, to make it easier to measure.
Why is operationalising important?
increases replicability/reliability
Aim
This is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study.
Always start your aim of with the words ‘to investigate……..’
Hypothesis
This is a specific, testable statement in which the researcher predicts what will happen between the variables.
Directional (one tailed) hypotheses:
The researcher predicts the direction that they think the results will go in.
There will be significantly higher/faster/more (operationalised DV) when participants (one condition of IV) compared to when participants (other condition of the IV)
Non-directional (two tailed) hypotheses:
The researcher does not predict the direction that they think the results will go in.
There will be a significant difference in (operationalised DV) when participants (one condition of IV) compared to when participants (other condition of the IV)
When do you use a directional hypothesis and when would you use a non-directional hypothesis?
Directional:
All past research has shown
Previous research has shown
Non-Directional:
New area of research
Limited previous research
Previous research findings have been mixed (some research has found….)
Extraneous Variables
unwanted extra variables other than the IV that could have an effect on the DV, lowering the internal validity of study
Causes of EV
- Situational factors - things to do with the environment the research is carried out in e.g. task difficulty OR standardised instructions.
( 2 tasks= same difficulty, time/ 1 task= diff ppts in each) - Participant variables - things to do with the Ppts e.g. ages, gender, IQ, eye sight, hearing, personality (introvert/extrovert). These can only be used for an independent groups design (demand characteristics)
- Experimenter variables - things to do with the researcher e.g. investigator effects.
(appearance, bias design (diff), interpret ppts behaviour)
Identify 1 EV and explain why it should be controlled (3 Marks)
- name
- explain with links
- state why should be controlled, impact on DV
Identify 1 EV and explain how it can be controlled (2 Marks)
- name
- state how you would control it - what would you change
Confounding Variables
When an EV is not controlled for and it does affect DV and so becomes confounding variable
Experimental Method - Lab
An experiment conducted in a lab which is a highly controlled environment, where the researcher manipulates IV and measures the effect on the DV
Lab AO3
:) High in reliability as the experiment (CONTEXT- into…) can be easily repeated in the same Conditions (CONTEXT), to check for consistent results
:( Lacks Ecological validity as it’s carried out in an artificial environment (CONTEXT- where) therefore it is difficult to generalise the findings (CONTEXT- of what…) beyond the setting of the study, lowering the external validity.
Experimental Method - Field
An experiment which takes place in a natural environment such as an office or school where the researcher manipulates IV and measures the effect on the DV
Field AO3
:) High ecological validity as it is based in a real life setting therefore it is easier to generalise the findings beyond the setting of the study to other similar settings (CONTEXT- example) increasing the external validity.
:( Low in reliability as the environment is natural (CONTEXT- where), it is difficult to repeat with the same conditions to check for consistent results.
Experimental Method - Natural
The researcher takes advantage of a naturally occurring IV . This is a natural experiment because the variable would have changed even if the experimenter was not interested
- not always natural, can be lab
Natural AO3
:) High ecological validity as natural experiments are often based in a real life setting therefore it is easier to generalise the finings beyond the setting of the study to other similar settings (CONTEXT) increasing the external validity.
:( Low control over extraneous variables as natural experiments usually take place in a natural environment (CONTEXT). Therefore, it is difficult to establish cause and effect between the IV and the DV lowering the internal validity of the study.
Experimental Method - Quasi
experiment which has an IV based on an existing individual difference between people (characteristic) which the researcher has not manipulated e.g. age or gender and the researcher measures the effect on the DV.
Quasi AO3
Quasi can be conducted in a natural or controlled environment (Field or Lab). therefore, depending on the scenario, you would have to select the appropriate evaluation (STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Problems with experimental method 1
Demand characteristics – Any clues given off within the research, this could lead to the Ppt’s change their natural behaviour choosing to either help or hinder the researcher (CONTEXT), reducing the internal validity
-controlled by: Getting another researcher who does not know the aims of the research (CONTEXT) to carry out the experiment. Therefore, they cannot give off clues to influence the ppts. (single/double blind)
Problems with experimental method 2
Bias in research - when the researcher is designing the resources/experiment or collecting results. Their own opinions/values guide decision making
Control: Randomisation.
Where possible aspects of the research should be random, not decided by the researcher which may be open to bias
1. all potential items go into hat
2. draw out as many needed for condition 1 (link)
3. draw out as many needed for condition 2 (link)
Standardisation
all participants experience the same environment and instructions, to avoid extraneous variables
HOW:
Using exactly the same formalised instructions and procedures for all ppts in a research study (CONTEXT).
This includes standardised instructions that are read out to all ppts / printed and given to the ppts to read. Matching task difficulties