Research Methods ★ Flashcards
Define and Describe:
What happened?
Explain:
Why did that happen?
Predict:
Under what conditions is it likely to happen again?
Control
How can I we apply our
principle to make this
happen again? To make
sure it never happens again?
What is Research?
Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem,
concern, or issue using the scientific method
What is the scientific (research) method?
The scientific methods rests upon empirical observation and reason.
Scientific evidence requires the testing of statements that potentially can
be shown to be false (disconfirmed).
What are the 8 research steps?
- A question
- Background literature
3.Hypotheses
4.Method. Participants
5.(sometimes) Conduct a pilot study
6.Collect data - Analyze Data
8.Draw Conclusions
Aims…
Investigate something- (A general statement about the purpose of an investigation).
Hypotheses…
a precise, testable statement of what the
researchers predict will be the outcome of the study.
Null Hypotheses
there is no differences between the
two variables
Alternative Hypotheses
there is a relationship between the
two variables
Non-directional hypothesis=two
tailed hypothesis:
the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable, but we don`t know the direction.
Directional hypothesis=one tailed:
the independent variable will have an
effect on the dependent variable and
we now the direction
In an experiment we…
Investigate a cause-and-effect relationship. The
researcher investigates the way one variable effect the other.
IV
In an experiment the researcher will
always alter one variable. This is the independent variable.
This variable manipulates the experiment, standing alone, not depending on
anything.
DV
The dependent variable is the thing the researcher is measuring. The dependent variable depends on the independent variable (the thing that is being manipulated/changed), in order to be valid.
Extraneous variables
variables that are likely to effect the results of an
investigation. They might confuse the results.
Either acts randomly,
affecting DV in all levels of IV or systematically.
Confounding variables
extraneous factors that affect the performance of
the participants
situational variable
a confounding variable caused by the environment
Participant variable
each participant varies from the other and can effect results
Experimenter Variable
unconsciously conveys to participants how they
should behave
To be confident that the IV has caused the DV, the researcher must control
all other aspects of the experiment. This is called…
VALIDITY.
(To what extent the results are valid.)
Operationalisation
Clearly define what is the IV and the DV = so you (or anyone else) can replicate the study.-measurable
Standardisation
Standardisation is when different aspects of an experiment are
controlled so that everyone goes through the same experience.