Research methods

Question 1

Variables

Answer 1

Independent variables
Dependant variables
Extraneous variables
Confounding variables

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

Directly manipulated by the experimenter or altered by the situation.
Changes of IV create the condition of the experiment.

Question 3

Dependant variable

Answer 3

This variable is measured by the experimenter

Question 4

Examples in Milgram’s study.

Answer 4

IV-location
DV-max shock delivered

Question 5

Extraneous variable

Answer 5

Any variable that might affect the IV
eg: participant, situational, and demand characteristics.

Question 6

Confounding variable

Answer 6

Any variable that does affect the dependent variable.

Question 7

Operationalization of variables

Answer 7

Defining variables clearly so they can be specifically tested and measured accurately.

Question 8

Example in Milgram’s study

Answer 8

EV- Upbringing can affect how obedient someone is.

Question 9

Types of EV

Answer 9

Participant variables
Situational variables
Demand characteristics
Investigator effects

Question 10

Participant variables

Answer 10

Any individual differences in characteristics of the participant that may affect the DV:
E.g. Age, Gender, Motivation, Memory ability.

Question 11

Situational variables

Answer 11

Any features of the research situation that may affect the DV.
E.g. Time of day, Light, Temperature, Noise.

Question 12

Demand characteristic

Answer 12

These are cues from the situation that may reveal the aim of the study or the expectations of the researcher to the participants.

These cues can affect the DV because participants may change their behavior in order to assist or hinder the study.

Ultimately, participant behaviour is no longer natural.

Question 13

Investigator effects

Answer 13

These are conscious or unconscious acions of an investigator which result from them knowing what their study is about.

These factors can affect the DV because they can influence the participants’ behavior.

Ultimately, participant behavior is no longer natural.

Question 14

Aim

Answer 14

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, to be clear about the purpose of a study.

E.g. To investigate the effect of study duration on recall.

Question 15

Hypothesis

Answer 15

Testable statements created before data is collected.

Include variables being investigated and the word significant.

It is tested after data has been gathered so should be written in present tense (e.g. “There is…”, not “There will be…”).

Question 16

Alternative hypothesis

Answer 16

States there is a significant result.
Can be directional or non-directional

Question 17

Alternative hypothesis: directional

Answer 17

A statement of a significant result in a specific way.

It states which set of data will be better, faster, slower, etc. (or positive/negatively correlated in a correlational study).

It is used when previous research suggests a direction.

Question 18

Alternative hypothesis: Non-directional

Answer 18

A statement of a significant result in a non-specific way.

It states there is a difference, influence, effect, etc. (or a correlation in a correlational study).

It is used when there has been no previous research or previous research has found contradictory results.

Question 19

Null hypothesis

Answer 19

A statement of a non-significant result.

It states there is NO difference, NO influence, NO effect etc. (or NO correlation in a correlational study)