Research Methods Flashcards
Definition of the IV and DV
IV=the one you change/manipulate
DV=the one you measure
Operationalising Variables
It is when you define them and make it measurable
E.g. How many ml of red bull was consumed
What is a Hypothesis
A Hypothesis is a statement of prediction
What is a Null Hypothesis
States there will be no difference between findings before and after an experiment
E.g. Alcohol consumption will not affect driving ability
What is an Alternative Hypothesis
Opposite to a Null Hypothesis, predicts there will be a difference within the findings before and after an experiment
E.g. Alcohol will effect driving ability
What is a Non-Directional Hypothesis
States there will be a difference without specifying the direction
E.g. Alcohol does affect driving ability
What is a Directional Hypothesis
States there will be a difference whilst specifying the direction(Positive/Negative)
E.g. Alcohol decreases driving ability
Extraneous Variables
Variables extra to the IV, need to be controlled or removed
What is an Experiment
A method used to determine Cause and Effect, manipulate IV to measure the effect on the DV
What is an Observation
Simply involves watching and recording people’s behaviour
What is a Self-report
Researchers ask participants about themselves
What is a Correlation
A relationship between 2 Co-variables
What is a Case Study
In-depth investigation into a single person/group/event
(Rare cases)
What is Validity
Truthfulness/Accuracy
What is Reliability
Consistency
What are Independent Measures
Participants only take part in one condition of the experiment(2 Seperate Groups)
What are Repeated Measures
Participants take part in both conditions of the experiment(One Group)
What are Matched Pairs
Participants are matched in each condition for characteristics that may have an effect on performance
E.g. Age
What are the 3 types of experimental designs
- Independent measures
- Repeated measures
- Matched pairs
What are the strengths and weaknesses of independent measures design
Strengths:
- less order effects (bored/practice)
- less demand characteristics
Weaknesses
- less economical as more participants required
- participant variables
What are the strengths and weaknesses of repeated measures design
Strengths:
- more economical as less participants required
- no participant variables/individual differences
Weaknesses:
- order effects
- demand characteristics
What are the strengths and weaknesses of matched pairs design
Strengths:
- reduced participant variables/individual differences
- less demand characteristics
- no order effects
Weaknesses:
- participants can never be exactly matched
- matching participants is expensive and time consuming
Experimenter variables
- Gender of experimenter
- Tone of voice
- Body language/Facial expressions
Situational variables
- Heat
- Lighting
- Time of day
- Order of conditions
