Research Methods Flashcards
Define correlational study
A RM which looks at the relationship between two or more co-variables without manipulating them
Define longitudinal study
A study which examines the same individuals over an extended period of time
What is the longitudinal study on attachment, health and well-being in Germany called?
KiGGS
What is a meta-analysis?
The systematic merging of findings of singular studies using statistical analysis to calculate an overall effect. A study of studies
What is a strength of meta-analysis?
The sample size can be huge and so real similarities and differences can be examined - including cross-culturally
What is a weakness of meta-analysis?
Inconsistency between the methodology of the studies analysed might mean that they are not directly comparable. Bad studies may be included
List types of non-random sampling
Opportunity
Volunteer
Define random sampling
Every P has an equal chance of selection, eg names in hat
Outline a strength and weakness of random sampling
Strength / sample should be representing the target population and so not be biased
W/ difficult to achieve - time-consuming, expensive and not always possible (might not know names of all people in target population)
Would it be possible to conduct random sampling in a school?
Yes, all names are known
Would it be possible to conduct random sampling in a town?
No, not all names are known. Movement in and out is fluid and ppl may not yet have registered that they’ve moved in or out
Stratified sampling is…
When the researcher works out the core characteristics of a population and constructs their sample proportionally on that basis, eg school has 40% female and 60% male and so the sample would too
Systematic sampling is…
Asking every nth person, eg every 3rd person walking down the street or every 10th name from a hat
What is a target population?
The group of people from whom your sample is drawn. Who you want your results to apply to.
What is generalisation?
The method of applying the findings of particular research to members of the target population as a whole, eg Buss (1989) used 37 samples from Accross the world and generalised to a target population of all humans!?!
What is an aim?
What the researcher wants to investigate
What is a hypothesis?
An idea which is formulated as a prediction which is subject to falsification
What is the black swan hypothesis?
The scientific idea that it’s better to try to disprove the idea that “all swans are white” by finding the one black swan
What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?
Directional - one-tailed - predicts the direction, eg girls will remember more numbers from boys
Non-directional - two-tailed - just states that there will be a difference
What is snowball sampling?
When one person or a small group of P direct the researchers to additional P
What does operationalising variables mean?
Ensuring that variables are in a form in which they can be tested, eg happiness is tested by self-report questionnaires
Are self-report questionnaires a reliable way to measure happiness?
No, P may lie or may interpret “happiness” differently which will affect the consistency of findings
What is meant by experimental design?
Literally- the design of the experiment. Which P take part in which conditions (sections) of the experiment
What is independent measures?
Also known as independent group design. Each P only takes part in one condition. Often used when groups are mutually exclusive, eg age, ethnicity, gender.
