Research Methods Flashcards
What is an aim?
An aim is a general statement made by the researcher which tells us what they plan on investigating, the purpose of their study
What is an independent variable (IV)?
The variable you change
What is a dependent variable (DV)?
The variable you measure
What is an extraneous variable (EV)?
A variable other than the IV that may affect the DV and should therefore be controlled for
Define hypothesis
A hypothesis is a precise, testable statement of what the researches predict will be the outcome of the study
What is meant by operationalisation?
Refers to the process of defining variables in practical, specific terms that allow them to be measured or manipulated in a research study
What is a Null hypothesis?
Predicts no difference or no relationship between groups/conditions. Predicts that any difference or relationship will be due to chance
What is an Alternative hypothesis?
Predicts a difference or a relationship between groups. There will be a difference in aggression among participants in low and high temperature rooms
What is a Directional hypothesis (one tailed)?
Predicts a difference or a relationship between conditions and states the direction of the difference/relationship
What is a Non directional hypothesis (two tailed)?
Predicts a difference or a relationship between groups/conditions but does not state the direction of the difference/relationship (e.g. there will be a difference or correlation)
What is a lab experiment?
An experiment conducted in an artificial controlled environment. There is usually a standardised procedure.
The researcher manipulates the IV to see what effect it has on the DV. There are strict controls over EV’s. Participants are aware of what’s happening
What is meant by standardised procedure?
A consistent and uniform set of instructions and methods used in a research study
What is a field experiment?
An experiment conducted in a more natural environment - anywhere outside a lab where the investigated behaviour could naturally occur.
The researcher manipulates the IV to see what effect it has on the DV
What is a natural experiment?
Experiments generally conducted in the everyday environment of the participants, but here the environmenter has no control over the IV as it occurs naturally in real life.
What is a quasi- experiment?
Have an IV that is based on a natural existing difference between people (for instance, age or gender). The researcher does not manipulate the IV, it simply exists
