Research Methods Flashcards
Fallacies
errors in reasoning that will undermine the logic of your argument
Logical fallacy
An argument can sometimes sound logical and true on the surface but once it’s interpreted further it falls apart
Appeal to Authority
Using the position of an authority figure in your argument
Appeal to Nature
Making the argument that because something is natural it is therefore valid, justified or inherently good
Appealing to popularity
the fact that many people do something as a form of validation
Burden of Proof
Saying that the proof lies not with the person making the claim but rather someone else disproving the claim
Ad Hominem
Attacking the character or personal traits of the individual rather than the argument being made
Strawman
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to discredit
Quantitative data
Numerical data that is measurable
Qualitative data
Involves collecting and analysing non numerical data to understand concepts, opinions or experiences
Primary research
Original research done by the researcher themself with their own data
Secondary research
Research which collects data from other peoples studies
Naturalistic observation
Studying someone in a natural environment
Laboratory experiment
An experiment carried out in a controlled environment
Field experiment
An experiment carried out in a natural environment
Natural experiment
An experiment where the experimenter does not directly control the IV
Quasi experiment
an experiment where the experimenter does not directly control the IV and the IV is naturally occuring
Parallel experimental design (Independent groups)
When participants split into two groups randomly and do 1 condition each
Crossover experimental design (repeated measures)
All groups doing the same conditions one group does it first then the second group after
Randomised Control Trials design (Matched pairs)
Recruit group of ppts, but find out what sort of people are in your group then match them one for one on key characteristics. Requires pretest
IV
What you change
DV
What you measure (outcome)
Hypothesis
A statement of expected results deduced from previous findings or logical reasoning
Null hypothesis
Stating there will be no difference or no relationship between two variables