Research Methods Flashcards
Aim
What the researcher is investigating in the study
Hypothesis
A scientific statement given at the beginning of the study showing what the researcher is expecting to find
Directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis showing the direction of the relationship (A will be more/less likely than B)
Non-Directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis that suggests a difference without a direction (There will be a significant difference between A and B)
Null Hypothesis
A hypothesis that suggests no difference (There will be no significant difference between A and B)
Independent Variable
The variable that is changed, either by the researcher or naturally
Dependent Variable
The variable measured by the researcher
Operationalisation
The variables in relation to how they can be measured
Extraneous Variable
Any variable besides the independent variable that may change the dependent variable if not controlled before the experiment
Confounding Variable
Any variable besides the independent variable that may have influenced the results during the experiment
Demand Characteristics
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)
Investigator Effects
When the researcher’s behaviour influences the results
Standardisation
Using the same procedure for all participants
Experimental Design
How the testing of participants is organised
Experimental Design - Independent Groups
Different groups of participants in each individual condition
Experimental Design - Repeated Measures
The same group of participants completes every condition
Experimental Design - Matched Pairs
Different groups of participants in each condition, matched on a variable (e.g. IQ)
Random Allocation
Used in independent groups to reduce participant variables as each person is equally as likely to be in each condition
Counterbalancing
Used in matched pairs to reduce order effects. (Half of the participants do A then B and the other half do B then A)
Weakness Of Independent Groups
More people are needed so it is more time consuming. May be influenced by participant variables.
Weakness Of Repeated Measures
May be influenced by order effects.
Weakness Of Matched Pairs
Takes longer to find suitable participants.
Strength Of Repeated Measures
Less people are needed, saving time and money. Eliminates participant variables.
Strength Of Matched Pairs
Reduces participant variables. No order effects.
Strength Of Independent Groups
No order effects
