Research Methods Flashcards
What is a Hypothesis?
Research Methods
Predicitions of an investigation outcome that makes specific references to the IV + DV
Research Methods
3 things
What makes a good hypothesis?
Research Methods
- IV + DV
- Directional or Non-directional
- To be operationalised
Research Methods
Define Directional
Research Methods
Predict nature of the effect of the IV on the DV
(only when there is past research to suggested a direction)
Research Methods
Define Non-directional
Research Methods
IV will have an effect on the DV, direction of effect is not specified
(past research is unclear)
Research Methods
What is the Null Hypothesis?
Research Methods
A statement of no difference, no relationship between ther variables
E.G. predciting there will be no effect
Research Methods
Why operationalise variables?
Research Methods
It makes the variables measurable
Research Methods
What is an extraneous variable?
Research Methods
all variables, which are not the IV, but could affect the results of the experiment
Research Methods
What are some extraneous varibales
Research Methods
- Situational variables
- Participant variables
- Demand characteristics
- Investigator/Experimenter effects
- Order effects
- Social desirability
- Placebo effect
Research Methods
Define Situational Variables
Research Methods
Factors in the enviroment that can unintentionally affect the results of a study
Define Participant Variables
Research Methods
Any characteristic of a participant’s background that could affect study results
Research Methods
Define Investigator/Experiemnter Effects
Research Methods
When an investigator uninteionally influences the outcome of any research they are conducting
Research Methods
Define Order Effects
Research Methods
When participants’ responses in the various conditions are affected by the order of conditions to which they were exposed
Research Methods
Define Social Desirability
Research Methods
The tendency for people to present themselves in different ways
Research Methods
Define the Placebo Effect
Research Methods
When your physical state changes simply because you associate something with caring and good health
Research Methods
What is a confounding variable?
Research Methods
A variable that is not the IV but does vary systematically with the IV
Research Methods
Define Standardisation
Research Methods
All aspects of the environment are standardised as much as possible
Research Methods
Define Single Bind
Research Methods
Participant is unaware of what the study is about - no knowledge of what to expect from the outcome
Research Methods
Define Double Bind
Research Methods
Participant is unaware of what the study is about + an external experiemnter conducts the experiemnt who doesn’t know the aim
Research Methods
Define Random Allocation
Research Methods
Randomly allocate participants to each conditions of the IV
Research Methods
Define Counterbalancing
Research Methods
Change up the orderof conditions for each participant
Half do condition 1 + Other condition 2 first
Research Methods
What are the types of experiements?
Experiements
- Lab Studies
- Field Studies
- Natural Studies
- Quasi Studies
Experiements
Define Lab Studies
Experiments
- Well-controlled environment
- Standardised procedure
- Participants - Random allocation
Experiements
Advantages of Lab Studies
Experiment
- Very reliable
- Replicable
- Easy to control
- More ethical (usually)
- Scientific credibility
Experiment
Disadvantages of Lab Studies
Experiments
- Ecological validity - no a ‘normal’ environment
- Over simplified?
- Demand characteristics
Experiments
Define Field Studies
Experiments
- Takes place outside the lab
- Natural environment
- Basic scientific procedures are still followed
Experiments
Advantages of Field Studies
Experiments
- Better ecological validity
- No demand characteristics
Experiments
Disadvantages of Field Studies
Experiments
- Ethical issues - often not informed consent
- Not as replicable
Experiments
Define Natural Studies
Experiment
- Natural environment of the participants
- IV not being changed on purpose
- No control over the IV
Experiment
Advantages of Natural Studies
Experiments
- Ethics - allows research with vulnerable groups without causing any harm to participants
- Ecological validity
- No demand characteristics
Experiments
Disadvantages of Natural Studies
Experiments
- Can’t control extraneous variables
- Difficult to replicate
Experiments
Define Quasi Studies
Experiment
- IV cannot be randomly assigned
- An innate characteristics of participants involved
- Normally done in a lab, don’t have to be
Experiment
Advantages of Quasi Studies
Experiments
- Reliable and replicable
- Easy to control
- More ethical (usually)
- Scientific credibility
Experiments
Disadvantages of Quasi Studies
Experiments
- Can’t be randomly allocate participants into conditions
- Participants variables are a problem as they can’t be controlled
Experiments
What was the Bickeman Study?
Experiments
- Field study
- Public shopping centre
Experiments
What was the Milgram study?
Experiments
- Lab study
- Lab - Yale University
Experiments
What was the Watching TV study?
Experiments
- Natural study
- Home
Experiments
What was the Kids and Gender study?
Experiments
- Quasi study
- Classroom
Experiments
What is Qualitative Data?
Observations
Quality, rich, detailed info
Observations
What is Quantitative Data?
Observations
Numbers and quantities
Observations
What is Primary Research?
Observations
Collected by the researcher themselves
Observations
What is Secondary Research?
Observations
Collected by other researchers
Observations
