Research Methods

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

What the researcher is investigating in the study

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A scientific statement given at the beginning of the study showing what the researcher is expecting to find

Question 3

Directional Hypothesis

Answer 3

A hypothesis showing the direction of the relationship (A will be more/less likely than B)

Question 4

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Answer 4

A hypothesis that suggests a difference without a direction (There will be a significant difference between A and B)

Question 5

Null Hypothesis

Answer 5

A hypothesis that suggests no difference (There will be no significant difference between A and B)

Question 6

Independent Variable

Answer 6

The variable that is changed, either by the researcher or naturally

Question 7

Dependent Variable

Answer 7

The variable measured by the researcher

Question 8

Operationalisation

Answer 8

The variables in relation to how they can be measured

Question 9

Extraneous Variable

Answer 9

Any variable besides the independent variable that may change the dependent variable if not controlled before the experiment

Question 10

Confounding Variable

Answer 10

Any variable besides the independent variable that may have influenced the results during the experiment

Question 11

Demand Characteristics

Answer 11

When the participants change their behaviour because they figured out the aim of the study (they start doing what they think the researcher wants them to do)

Question 12

Investigator Effects

Answer 12

When the researcher’s behaviour influences the results

Question 13

Standardisation

Answer 13

Using the same procedure for all participants

Question 14

Experimental Design

Answer 14

How the testing of participants is organised

Question 15

Experimental Design - Independent Groups

Answer 15

Different groups of participants in each individual condition

Question 16

Experimental Design - Repeated Measures

Answer 16

The same group of participants completes every condition

Question 17

Experimental Design - Matched Pairs

Answer 17

Different groups of participants in each condition, matched on a variable (e.g. IQ)

Question 18

Random Allocation

Answer 18

Used in independent groups to reduce participant variables as each person is equally as likely to be in each condition

Question 19

Counterbalancing

Answer 19

Used in matched pairs to reduce order effects. (Half of the participants do A then B and the other half do B then A)

Question 20

Weakness Of Independent Groups

Answer 20

More people are needed so it is more time consuming. May be influenced by participant variables.

Question 21

Weakness Of Repeated Measures

Answer 21

May be influenced by order effects.

Question 22

Weakness Of Matched Pairs

Answer 22

Takes longer to find suitable participants.

Question 23

Strength Of Repeated Measures

Answer 23

Less people are needed, saving time and money. Eliminates participant variables.

Question 24

Strength Of Matched Pairs

Answer 24

Reduces participant variables. No order effects.

Question 25

Strength Of Independent Groups

Answer 25

No order effects