Research Methods Flashcards
Planning Research
1 - Aim (statement of what is to be investigated)
2 - Experimental hypothesis (prediction of what will occur in the experiment)
3 - Research hypothesis (prediction using non-experimental method)
4 - Null hypothesis
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It should be operationalized (the variables should be able to be tested). It should clearly state the IV and DV, and the way it will be measured (number of __).
Null hypothesis
The null hypothesis assumes that there will be no significant difference for a given population under two different conditions.
Constructing a null hypothesis
- “There is no significant difference”
- Clearly states the IV and DV
- Measurable data (number of___)
- Explains the two conditions
Alternative hypothesis
Hypothesis that states the guess about what will happen.
One-tailed hypothesis
Predicts a change and the direction of the change. It is often used to test the reliability of a study’s findings.
Two-tailed hypothesis (best option)
Predicts a change, but not the direction of the change. It is usually used in psychology to investigate a question and uses the words “there will be a difference”.
Quantitative Research
Involves measuring behavior in a numerical way. Data refers to quantities, amounts or numbers.
Qualitative Research
Usually focuses on a participant’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and it has more quality and detail.
Examples of quantitative research
lab experiments, field experiments, correlations, structured interviews and observations
Examples of qualitative research
self reports, unstructured interviews and observations, case studies
Experimental methods
Lab experiment, field experiment, quasi experiment (also true experiment)
Lab experiment
IV is changed to see effect on DV in a controlled environment.
Example: Loftus and Palmer car crash study
Advantages of lab experiments
- Great control over variables so cause and effect can be established.
- Can be replicated in order to check the reliability of the results.
Disadvantages of lab experiments
- Lack ecological validity as it is an artificial situation and the results cannot be generalized to real life situations
- Participants may respond to demand characteristics.
Field experiment
IV is changed to see affect on DV in natural environment.
Example: shotland and straw (domestic argument in public)
Advantages of field experiments
- High in ecological validity because behavior reflects real-life situations
- Some extraneous variables can be controlled
Disadvantages of field experiments
- Lack of control over environmental variables meaning that cause and effect cannot be inferred
- Cannot be replicated
- Can raise ethical concerns
Quasi (natural) experiment
The researcher does not manipulate IV (it is already existing).
Example: time of day affecting student participation
Advantages of quasi experiments
More ethical, since there is no manipulation of the IV
Disadvantages of quasi experiments
Lack of control over variables so cause and effect cannot be inferred.
True experiment
A true experiment is defined asan experiment conducted where an effort is made to impose control over all other variables except the one under study. The researcher has controlled for the influence of extraneous variables.
Experimenter bias
The experimenter may treat some participants differently to other participants.
Independent measures
Recruit a group of participants, divide them into two, each does a different condition, the DV is measured for each
IM advantages and disadvantages
+ removes problem of order effects
+ same participants and materials can be used
- Potential for error from individual differences
Repeated measures
Recruit a group of participants, expose to condition one, then expose to condition two, compare results for each condition
RM advantages and disadvantages
+Individual differences are removed as confounding variables
-order effects may occur
Matched participant
Recruit a group of participants, recruit another group that matches them one for one, give each group a different condition, compare the DV results
MP advantages and disadvantages
+ Individual differences and order effects are removed
-Difficult and time-consuming to find matching participants
Controlling extraneous variables
- Standardization (make things the same across all conditions)
- Counterbalancing (same participants are used for each condition - repeated measures)
- Deception to control demand characteristics
- Randomization (randomize order of things)
