Research methods Flashcards
Experimental method
- the manipulation of the IV to have an effect on the DV
Aim
- the purpose of the study
- developed from theories
Hypothesis
- a statement that states the relationship between the variables being investigated
- can either be directional or non-directional
Operationalisation
- clearly defining the variables in terms of how they are being measured
- variables should be defined and measurable
Extraneous variables
- variables that do not vary systematically with the IV
- nuisance variables (eg. lighting in the lab or age of ppts)
Confounding variables
- 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
Demand characteristics
- 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
Investigator effects
- any influence from the investigator that affects the DV
- eg. the selection of ppts and how the investigator interacts with them during the study
Randomisation
- the use of chance to reduce the effects of bias from investigator effects
Standardisation
- making sure all participants follow the exact same procedures and instructions
Lab experiment
- takes place in a special environment where variables can be carefully controlled
+ high control/internal validity
- low ecological validity
Field experiment
- conducted someone more natural than a lab but still high levels of control
+ higher ecological validity
- loss of control over extraneous variables
- ethical considerations
Quasi
- 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
Natural
- 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
Opportunity sampling
- ppts. happen to be available at the time so are recruited conveniently
+ time and cost efficient
- not representative, researcher bias
Random sampling
- 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
Systematic sampling
- every nth member of the population is selected
+ avoids research bias and fairly representative
Stratified sampling
- the sample represents the proportions of the actual population
+ no researcher bias, representative and generalisable
- time consuming to identify strata and contact everyone
Volunteer sampling
- 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
Independent groups design
- ppts only do one condition of the IV
+ no order effects
- no control over participant variables (varying abilities)
Repeat measures
- ppts do all conditions of the IV
+ not as time consuming
- order effects (can be fixed by counterbalancing)
Matched pairs
- 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
Pilot study
- small-scale version of an investigation done before the real study is done to identify any potential problems with the study
Single-blind procedure
- when the researchers don’t tell the ppts. if they are in the test or control group
- avoids demand characteristics
Double-blind procedure
- when neither the ppt nor researcher know who is in group
- avoids investigator effects
Naturalistic observation
- watching and recording behaviour in the setting where it would normally take place
