research methods Flashcards
independant variable
variable manipulated by the researcher.
dependant variable
variable measured by the researcher to observe change due to IV
controlled variable
other variables that the researcher controls to ensure changes to DV is solely due to IV
3 types of psychological studies, briefly explain each
- controlled experiments (effect of IV on DV observed while other variables are controlled)
- case study (investigation of situation that includes complexities of real world)
- correlational study (researchers observe effect of IV on DV without active control or manipulation)
3 controlled experimental designs, briefly explain each
- within subjects (same participants are used for control and experimental group)
- between subjects (different participants are used for control and experimental group)
- mixed design (contains elements of both designs)
3 sampling techniques
- convenience sampling
- random sampling
- stratified sampling
extraneous variables
variables other than IV that may cause an unwanted effect on the DV.
confounding variables
extraneous variable that was not controlled for, and has now directly affected the DV
examples of extraneous variables
only need to say a few
- participant-related variables (participant differences)
- order effects
- placebo effects
- experimenter effects (bias)
- non-standardisation
- demand characteristics
how can extraneous variables be prevented
only need to say a few
- sampling size/method
- experimental design choice
- counterbalancing
- placebo
- single-blind procedure
- double-blind procedure
- standardisation
- controlled variables
primary + secondary data
primary data is sourced from first-hand experience.
secondary data is sourced from other’s prior research.
qualitative + quantitative data
quantitative data is numerical.
qualitative data is non-numerical.
objective + subjective data
objective data is factual and free of personal opinion.
subjective data is informed by personal opinion.
measures of central tendency, briefly explain each.
- mean (average)
- median (central figure)
- mode (most common figure)
measures of variability
- range
- standard deviation
accuracy
how close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured.
true value
value that would be found if quantity could be measured perfectly.
precision
how closely a set of measurement values agree with each other.
systematic errors
errors in data that differ from true value by a consistent amount. affects the accuracy of the measurement.
random errors
errors in data that are unsystematic and occur due to chance. affects the precision of the measurement.
repeatability
extent to which successive measurements produce the same results when carried out under identical conditions within a short period of time.
reproducibility
extent to which successive measurements produce same results when repeated under different conditions.
validity
extent to which psychological tools/investigations truly support findings and conclusions.
internal validity
extent to which an investigation truly measures/investigates what it claims to.
external validity
extent to which the results of an investigation can be applied to similar individuals in different settings.
ethical concepts
beneficence, integrity, justice, non-maleficence, respect
beneficence
maximising benefits and minimising harms/risks.
integrity
honest reporting of all sources of information, whether favourable or unfavourable.
justice
fair consideration of claims, ensuring no unfair burden is put on a particular group for action. fair distribution and access to benefits.
non-maleficence
avoiding causing harm. any harm should not be disproportionate to the benefits.
respect
considering intrinsic value of living things. respecting decisions.
ethical guidelines
confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, withdrawal rights, use of deception, debriefing.
confidentiality
privacy and protection of participants personal info including deidentification.
informed consent
processes that ensure participants understand the nature and purpose of the experiment and consent to participation.
voluntary participation
ensures there is no coercion or pressure put on the participant to partake in experiment.
withdrawal rights
right of participants to be able to discontinue their involvement at any time without penalty.
use of deception
intentionally misleading participants about true nature of the procedure.
debriefing
answering participant questions and providing support at the conclusion of the study. if deception was used, participant must be informed of true nature.
