Research Methods Flashcards
What is an Aim?
An aim is a general statement made by the researcher saying what they plan on investigating and the purpose of their study
What is a histogram
A chart used to represent data on a ‘continuous’ scale. Columns touch because each one forms a single score on a related scale. Scores are placed on the X-axis
What is a correlational analysis?
When two or more variables are measured in order to identify if there is a relationship between them. A single numerical value is produced that is used to describe the relationship
What is a correlation coefficient?
A Number between -1 and 1, tells us how strong the correlation is, the nearer to 1 the stronger the relationship.
Characteristics of a normal distribution
A symmetrical spread of frequency data that forms a bell-shaped pattern. Mean, median and mode are all located at the highest peak.
Characteristics of a skewed distribution
A spread of frequency data that is not symmetrical, where the data clusters to one end.
Negatively skewed distribution
A type of distribution in which the long tail is on the negative (left) side of the peak and most of the distribution is concentrated on the right. The mode and median are greater than the mean.
Positively skewed distribution
A type of distribution in which the long tail is on the positive (right) side of the peak and most of the distribution is concentrated on the left. The mean is greater than the mode and median
What are Extraneous variables? How can they be controlled?
Anything other than the IV that could influence your results. Should be accounted for before the experiment takes place. Can control them through randomisation
What are Confounding Variables?
Anything other than the IV that has influenced your results, which has not been accounted for before the experiment begins.
What is Internal Validity
If the study measures or examines what it claimed to measure or examine.
What is external validity
Refers to the ability of the test to produce the same results each time it’s carried out.
What is Ecological Validity?
The extent to which the results of the study can be generalised to others
What is Concurrent Validity?
Results can be compared to a previously well-established test
Temporal Validity
Assesses to what degree research findings remain over time
