Research Methods

Question 1

Aims:

Answer 1

A general statement of the researcher is trying to investigate.

Question 2

Hypothesis:

Answer 2

A clear, precise, and testable statement which the researcher is investigating.

Question 3

Directional Hypothesis:

Answer 3

The sort of difference is made clear.

Question 4

Non - directional Hypothesis:

Answer 4

The sort of difference isn’t made clear.

Question 5

Variables:

Answer 5

Anything in an experiment that can change.

Question 6

Independent Variable:

Answer 6

The variable that is changed by the researcher.

Question 7

Dependent Variable:

Answer 7

The variable that is measured, effect on the dependent variable is normally caused by the independent variable.

Question 8

Operationalisation:

Answer 8

Making variables into actual things you can measure. E.g. mental health into a survey about your mental health.

Question 9

Extraneous Variables:

Answer 9

Additional variables that influence the dependent variable which aren’t the independent variable.

Question 10

Confounding Variables:

Answer 10

A type of extraneous variable which changes systematically with the IV, it changes at the same rate.

Question 11

Demand Characteristics:

Answer 11

When a participant works out what an experiment is about and what they believe is expected of them by the experimenter. They may either try to please you, and do what they think is expected because they care about the advancement of science, or they will try to screw you, this is where they try to intentionally mess up the experiment because they’re against the advancement of science.

Question 12

Investigator effects:

Answer 12

Any effect of the investigator’s behaviour (conscious or unconscious) which may affect the outcome (the DV). This could be an interaction between the investigator and the participant.

Question 13

Randomisation:

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Standardisation:

Answer 14

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.

Question 15

Experimental design:

Answer 15

Different ways in which participants can be organised.

Question 16

Independent groups design:

Answer 16

Participants are allocated to different groups where each group represents one experimental condition (e.g. caffeine, no caffeine).

Question 17

Repeated measures:

Answer 17

All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.

Question 18

Matched pairs design:

Answer 18

Pairs of participants are matched on some variable(s) that may affect the dependent variable. Then one member of the pair is assigned to condition a and the other to condition b.

Question 19

Random Allocation:

Answer 19

An attempt to control for participant variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance of being in one condition as any other.

Question 20

Counterbalancing:

Answer 20

An attempt to control for the effects of order in a repeated measures design, half the participants experience the conditions in one order and the other half in the opposite order.

Question 21

Lab Experiment:

Answer 21

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within the researcher manipulates the independent variable and records the effect on the dependent variable whilst maintaining the control of extraneous variables.

Question 22

Field Experiment:

Answer 22

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the independent variable and records the effect on the dependent variable.

Question 23

Natural Experiment:

Answer 23

An experiment where the change in the independent variable is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there, the researcher records the effect on a dependent variable.

Question 24

Quasi-Experiment:

Answer 24

A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV has not been determined by anyone.

Question 25

Population:

Answer 25

A group of people who are the focus of the researcher’s interest, from which a smaller sample is drawn.

Question 26

Sample:

Answer 26

A group of people who take part in a research investigation. The sample is drawn from a target population and is presumed to be representative of that population.

Question 27

Sampling Techniques:

Answer 27

The method used to select people from the population.

Question 28

Bias:

Answer 28

When certain groups are over or under represented within the sample selected.

Question 29

Generalisation:

Answer 29

The extent to which findings and conclusions from a particular investigation can be broadly applied to the population.

Question 30

Random Sample:

Answer 30

All members of a target population have an equal chance of being selected.

Question 31

Systematic Sample:

Answer 31

Every nth member of the target population is selected.

Question 32

Stratified Sample:

Answer 32

Composition of the sample reflects the proportions of people in certain subgroups (strata) within the target population.

Question 33

Opportunity Sample:

Answer 33

Researchers select anyone that is available.

Question 34

Volunteer Sample:

Answer 34

Participants select themselves to be a part of a sample.