Research Methods Flashcards
Research methods
The means by which explanations are tested
Dependent variable (DV)
The factor measured by researchers in an investigation
Experimental method
A research method using random allocation of participants and the manipulation fo variables to determine cause and effect
Independent variable (IV)
The factor manipulated by researchers in an investigation
Operationalisation of variables
The process of defining variables into measurable factors
Extraneous variables (EV)
Variables other than the IV that might affect the DV
Confounding variables
Uncontrolled extraneous variables that negatively affect results
Demand characteristics
Features of a piece of research which allow the participants to work out its aim or hypotheses. Participants may then change their behaviour and so frustrate the aim of the research
Participant variables
The differing individual characteristics that may impact how a participant responds in an experiment
Situational variables
Features of an environment that affect the degree to which individuals yield to authority figures
Investigar effects
A research effect where researcher features influence participants responses
Laboratory experiments - Strengths
High degree of control, Replication, Cause and Effect, Isolation of variables
Laboratory experiments - Weaknesses
Experimenter bias, Problems operationalising the IV and DV, Low external validity, Demand characteristics
Field experiments - Strenghts
High ecological validity, No demand characteristics
Field experiments - Weaknesses
Less control, Replication, Ethics, Sample bias
Natural experiments - Strengths
High ecological validity