Research methods

Question 1

Experimental method

Answer 1

• the manipulation of the IV to have an effect on the DV

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

• the purpose of the study
• developed from theories

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

• a statement that states the relationship between the variables being investigated
• can either be directional or non-directional

Question 4

Operationalisation

Answer 4

• clearly defining the variables in terms of how they are being measured
• variables should be defined and measurable

Question 5

Extraneous variables

Answer 5

• variables that do not vary systematically with the IV
• nuisance variables (eg. lighting in the lab or age of ppts)

Question 6

Confounding variables

Answer 6

• variables that do vary systematically w/ the IV
• makes it difficult for the researcher to be sure that it was actually the IV impacting the DV

Question 7

Demand characteristics

Answer 7

• when the participants act differently to how they would naturally as they feel like they can guess the aim of the study
• Please and Screw-U effect

Question 8

Investigator effects

Answer 8

• any influence from the investigator that affects the DV
• eg. the selection of ppts and how the investigator interacts with them during the study

Question 9

Randomisation

Answer 9

• the use of chance to reduce the effects of bias from investigator effects

Question 10

Standardisation

Answer 10

• making sure all participants follow the exact same procedures and instructions

Question 11

Lab experiment

Answer 11

• takes place in a special environment where variables can be carefully controlled

+ high control/internal validity
- low ecological validity

Question 12

Field experiment

Answer 12

• conducted someone more natural than a lab but still high levels of control

+ higher ecological validity
- loss of control over extraneous variables
- ethical considerations

Question 13

Quasi

Answer 13

• when the IV has not been determined by the experimenter but rather exists naturally, eg. gender studies

+ controlled conditions and replicable
- cannot randomly allocated ppts

Question 14

Natural

Answer 14

• when the IV is not brought about by the researcher and would happened anyway, eg. reactions to earthquakes

+ high ecological validity
- cannot be replicated and cannot randomise

Question 15

Opportunity sampling

Answer 15

• ppts. happen to be available at the time so are recruited conveniently

+ time and cost efficient
- not representative, researcher bias

Question 16

Random sampling

Answer 16

• all members of population have the same chances of being selected
• random number generator/lottery method

+ no researcher bias
- time consuming
- volunteer bias if ppts. refuse to take part

Question 17

Systematic sampling

Answer 17

• every nth member of the population is selected

+ avoids research bias and fairly representative

Question 18

Stratified sampling

Answer 18

• the sample represents the proportions of the actual population

+ no researcher bias, representative and generalisable
- time consuming to identify strata and contact everyone

Question 19

Volunteer sampling

Answer 19

• self selection, ppt offers to take part in response to an ad/ when asked to

+ cost and time effective
+ ppts more likely to cooperate
- volunteer bias
- could only be motivated by money

Question 20

Independent groups design

Answer 20

• ppts only do one condition of the IV

+ no order effects
- no control over participant variables (varying abilities)

Question 21

Repeat measures

Answer 21

• ppts do all conditions of the IV

+ not as time consuming
- order effects (can be fixed by counterbalancing)

Question 22

Matched pairs

Answer 22

• pairs of ppts are matched based on a variable that affects the DV
• one ppt does one condition, and their pair does the other

+ reduces order effects and demand characteristics
- time consuming and expensive to match
- large pool of ppts needed

Question 23

Pilot study

Answer 23

• small-scale version of an investigation done before the real study is done to identify any potential problems with the study

Question 24

Single-blind procedure

Answer 24

• when the researchers don’t tell the ppts. if they are in the test or control group
• avoids demand characteristics

Question 25

Double-blind procedure

Answer 25

• when neither the ppt nor researcher know who is in group
• avoids investigator effects

Question 26

Naturalistic observation

Answer 26

• watching and recording behaviour in the setting where it would normally take place