research methods 1 - the scientific process (part 1)

Question 1

What is a Pilot Study?

Answer 1

A small scale trial run of the investigation/experiment first. It is done in order to find out if the study works or not

Question 2

What is a Confederate?

Answer 2

A confederate is someone playing a role in an investigation.

Question 3

What are the four major principles in the British Psychological Society?

Answer 3

Respect, Competence, Responsibility and Integrity

Question 4

What are the ethical guidelines? (WDPDDIC)

Answer 4

Withdrawal, Deception, Protection, Data, Debrief, Informed Consent, Competence

Question 5

What is the target population?

Answer 5

The group that the researchers draws the sample from and wants to be able to generalise the findings to.

Question 6

What is a sample?

Answer 6

A small number of people selected from the target population who take part in the investigation.

Question 7

What are the sampling techniques?

Answer 7

Random, Opportunity, Volunteer, Systematic, Stratified

Question 8

What is Random Sampling?

Answer 8

All of the names of the individuals in a population are put into a hat or computer and pulled out / selected by computer.

Question 9

What is Opportunity Sampling?

Answer 9

Obtaining people who are available at a specific time at a specific place.

Question 10

What is Volunteer Sampling?

Answer 10

Volunteers are not selected by the researcher, self selected by responding to an advertisement.

Question 11

What is systematic sampling?

Answer 11

Every nth member of target population is selected and placed in different conditions.

Question 12

What is stratified sampling

Answer 12

• The researcher identifies key layers of target population for research
• They then calculate the correct proportions from each layer based on proportions of population

Question 13

Define: Withdrawal

Answer 13

• All participants should know they can drop out of the study at any time.
• They can also withdraw their data at any point later if necessary

Question 14

Define: Deception

Answer 14

Intentionally withholding with-holding information / details of the study and its aims to participants.

Question 15

Define: Protection

Answer 15

• Researchers must not cause harm or distress to paricipants (physical and mental)
• The risk cannot be greater than in their ordinary life.
• If vulnerable groups are used, care must be received.

Question 16

Define: Protection

Answer 16

• Researchers must not cause harm or distress to paricipants (physical and mental)
• The risk cannot be greater than in their ordinary life.
• If vulnerable groups are used, care must be received.

Question 17

Define: Data

Answer 17

• Researchers need to ensure participants identity and privacy is protected.
• Identity of Participant can be revealed with full consent

Question 18

Define: Debriefing

Answer 18

• Researchers must speak to all participants at the end of the study explaining fully what the study was about and the meaning on results.
• Can provide additional support for participants

Question 19

Define: Informed Consent

Answer 19

• Participants should know as much as possible about the procedure before they agree to take part in the study.
• They need to agree to the sort of things they’ll be told to do, how long it takes etc.
• Usually they sign an informed consent form.

Question 20

Define: Competence

Answer 20

• ability to provide professional services
• must not provide services out of their area of knowledge, skill, training and experience