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AQA A level Psychology > Research methods > Flashcards

Research methods Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an aim?

A

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate

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2
Q

What is a hypothesis? Name the different types

A
  • A clear, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables being investigates
  • Directional (used when there’s findings from previous studies) and non-directional (used when there’s no theory or contradictory findings)
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3
Q

What are the 2 levels of the IV?

A

A control condition and an experimental condition

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4
Q

What is operationalisation?

A

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

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5
Q

What are extraneous variables?

A

Any variable other than the IV that affects the DV if not controlled.

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6
Q

What are confounding variables?

A

A kind of extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV. Therefore we cant tell if any change in DV is due to the IV or CV.

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7
Q

What are demand characteristics?

A

Any cues that reveal the purpose if investigation to ppts. Can lead to them changing their behaviour.

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8
Q

What are investigator effects?

A

When the investigator effects the DV.

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9
Q

What is randomisation?

A

Use of chance methods to control for the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions

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10
Q

What is standardisation?

A

Using the same exact formalised procedure snd instructions for all ppts

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11
Q

What is independent groups design?

A

When 2 separate grps of ppts experience different conditions

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12
Q

What are the strengths of independent measures design?

A

-Order effects aren’t a problem

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13
Q

What are the limitations of independent measure’s design?

A
  • Participant variables can exist (so use random allocation)

- Less economical than repeated measures as it only gives one result per person

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14
Q

What are the strengths of repeated measures design?

A
  • Ppt variables are controlled

- Fewer ppts needed

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15
Q

What are the limitations of repeated measures design?

A
  • Order effects can occur (use counterbalancing)- ppl can get bored and perform worse or become more experienced so perform better
  • Demand characteristics as they work out the aim
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16
Q

What are the strengths of matched pairs design?

A

-Order effects and demand characteristics are less of a problem

17
Q

What are limitations of matched pairs design?

A
  • Can’t be matched exactly so still ppt variables

- Time consuming and expensive

18
Q

Laboratory experiment- strengths

A
  • High control over confounding and extraneous variables (high internal validity)
  • Replication is more possible
19
Q

Lab experiment- limitations

A
  • Lack generalisability (low external validity)
  • Demand characteristics
  • Low mundane realism
20
Q

What is a field experiment?

A
  • IV manipulated in a natural more everyday setting

- Researcher goes to ppts usual environment

21
Q

Field experiment- strengths

A
  • Higher mundane realism

- Higher external validity

22
Q

Field experiment-limitations

A
  • Cause and effect is harder to establish (due to loss of control of CVs snd EVs)
  • Ethical issues (consent and privacy)
23
Q

What is a natural experiment?

A

Researcher has no control of IV and can’t change it- someone or something else does.

  • It is the IV that is natural, not necessarily the setting
  • DV may also be naturally occurring or devised by the experimenter then studied in the field or lab
24
Q

Natural experiment- strengths

A
  • Provide opportunities for research otherwise not done for practical or ethical reasons (Rutter et al orphan study)
  • High external validity
25
Q

What is a quasi experiment?

A

Have a pre existing IV which is an existing difference between ppl e.g. gender, age. IV can’t be changed. DV can also be naturally occurring

26
Q

Quasi experiment- strengths

A

-Controlled conditions (same strengths as lab)

27
Q

Quasi experiment- limitations

A
  • Confounding variables as ppts aren’t randomly allocated conditions
  • IV isnt manipulated so cant directly see any change by it
28
Q

Systematic sampling

A

When every nth member of target pop is selected

29
Q

Evaluate random sampling

A
  • S: Unbiased
  • L: difficult and time consuming
  • L: can still be unrepresentative
  • L: chosen ppts can refuse to take part
30
Q

Evaluate systematic sampling

A
  • S: objective

- L: time consuming and ppts may refuse to take part

31
Q

What is stratified sampling?

A

Composition of sample reflects the proportions of ppl in strata within target pop.

AQA A level Psychology (5 decks)

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