Research Methods Flashcards
Case Study
In-depth Investigation of a single person or group, where data is gathered through several different methods (Interviews, Observations)
Behavioural Categories
Key Behaviours or collections of Behaviour, Researcher will observe the behaviour and record it.
Concurrent validity
Comparing a new test with another test of the same thing to see if the results are similar
Confounding Variable
An Extraneous Variable that varies systematically with the IV
Content Analysis
Used to analyse Qualitative data. It involves coding the written data into categories (Qualitative data into Quantitative data)
Controlled observation
Observation study where the researchers control some variables (Lab Study)
Covert Observation
Undisclosed observation as the participants don’t know their behaviour is being observed
Debriefing
After completing the research, the true aim is revealed to the participant
Deception
Involves Misleading participants about the purpose of the study
Demand Characteristics
Participants try make sense of the research situation they are in and try guess the purpose of the research (Try present themselves in a good way)
Ecological Validity
Extent to which the findings of the research study are able to be generalized to real-life settings
Ethical Guidelines
Provided by the BPS, Rules psychologists should follow when conducting a research study
Ethical issues
Deception
Lack of informed Consent
Lack of Protection of Participants
Event Sampling
A target Behaviour is identified and the observer records it every time it occurs
Experimental Groups
Group that receives Experimental Treatment
External Validity
Extent to which the findings of the study can be generalised beyond the experimental setting
Extraneous Variables
Variables that can affect the DV and contaminate the IV
Face Validity
Assesses whether a test measures what it claims to measure which is concerned with face value
Field Experiment
Takes place in a Natural Setting whether the experimenter manipulates the IV and measures the DV
Independent Measure Design
Each Participant takes part in one condition of the IV
Informed Consent
Psychologists should ensure that all participants are helped to understand fully all aspects of the research before they agree to take part
Inter-Observer Reliability
Extent to which two or more observers are observing and recording behaviour in the same way
Internal Validity
Whether the results were due to manipulation of the IV rather than other factors such as EV or DC
Investigator Effects
Results from the effect of a researchers behaviour and characteristics on an investigation
Unconsciously influences the outcome of the reserach
Lab Experiment
Takes place in a controlled environment where the experimenter manipulates the IV and measures the DV
Matched Pair Designs
Where pairs of Participants are matched on important characteristics and one member allocated to each condition of the IV