research methods Flashcards
lab experiment
where the iv is directly manipulated in a highly controlled artificial environment
+- got control over extraneous variables (situational variables ), scientific, predictable, reliable
– lacks ecological validity, demand characteristics, lack of construct validity.
field experiment
where the iv is directly manipulated in a natural environment with some level of control
+- high in ecological validity, less chance of demand characteristics
– higher chance of extraneous variables, harder t test cause and effect, less scientific, harder to get consent.
quasi experiement
a naturally occurring iv that is not directly manipulated in either controlled or natural environment
+- more ethical, nothing manipulated , natural behaviour
–difficult to carry out as iv already exists , time consuming , extraneous variables likely - less reliable.
what is an experimental method in general (+/-)
manipulating IVs to test cause and effect so the hypothesis can be tested.
+- more scientific, objective ( measuring behaviour) (data)
– demand characteristics
structured observation (+/-)
predefined behaviour categories.
+- easier to record, easier to establish inter-rater reliability.
– reductionist, reduce validity, observer bias.
unstructured observation (+/-)
no predefined plan they record everyhting.
+- increases validity, wide range of context.
– harder to record, hard to establish reliability, observer bias.
controlled observation(+/-)
a research method where researchers watch participants in an artificial environment
+- increases reliability
–lowers ecological validity
naturalistic observation (+/-)
takes place in natural environment
+- less demand characteristics/ high EV
–low in reliabilty
participant observation(+/-)
where the researcher takes part in the experimt and activites.
+-, greater accuracy/detail, sometimes only way eg .gang
– ethical issues, reduces validity if behaviours influenced
non participant observation (+/-)
the researcher doesn’t take part.
+- remains objective, no influence on behaviour
–can’t observe certain behaviour, less detail/accuracy
overt observation(+/-)
participants are aware they are being watched.
+- more ethical ( consent)
– risk of demand characteristics/ decreases validity
covert observation(+/-)
participants are unaware they are being watched
+- less chance of demand characteristics/ increases validity
–less ethical ,they can’t consent
event sampling (+/-)
every occurrence of behaviour as specified on predefined checklist. observed at specified time.
+- quantitative data, easier to record
– reductionist, reduce validity, observer bias.
(similar to structured )
what is time sampling ? (+/-)
behaviour on predetermined checklist recorded at specific time intervals.
+- reliable
– time consuming, lowers validity as behaviour may be missed.
what is an observation
where researcher observes and records participants behaviour, but does not manipulate any variables
(can be use for a correlation )
target population
the audience a piece of research is generalised to from the sample
sample
group of participants that are representative of a target population
alternate hypothesis (h1)
there will be a difference.
null hypothesis (h0)
there is no difference
one tailed hypothesis
iv-dv-iv directional ( one will be higher/less than the other iv )
two-tailed hypothesis
there will/will not be a difference
non-directional
extraneous variable
something that is not the iv but
CAN affect the dv through lack of control.
confounding variable
something that not an iv but DOES affect the dv through lack of control
types of extraneous variables
individual differences( age, gender, culture)
situational variables ( environment )
conditions and two types?
‘groups of IV ‘
control , experimental
repeated measures ( +/-)
(within groups)
same participants used in all conditions
+- any changes in conditions are likely due to IV not participant
less individual differences
– more chance of demand characteristics/order effects
independent measures (+/-)
(between groups)
participants only take part in one condition
+-task variable, less chance of order effects/ demand characteristics
– more individual differences
any change to condition is more likely due to participant variables
matched pairs measure (+/-)
recruit participants and match them based on characteristics
+- individual differences controlled for
– time consuming (have to be observed/tested before matching)
opportunity sampling (+/-)
researcher chooses the most convenient people to the study.
+- easiest, less time to locate sample.
– biased sample as selected from limited geographical areas, not very representative.