Research Methods

Question 1

Variable

Answer 1

Any factor that can vary/change within an investigation

Question 2

Dependent Variable

Answer 2

The variable that is measured

Question 3

Independent Variable

Answer 3

An aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated (changed), so the effect on the dependent variable can be measured

Question 4

Alternative hypothesis

Answer 4

A clear, precise, and testable statement that states the relationship between variables to be investigated

Question 5

Null hypothesis

Answer 5

Predict there will be no difference or association between variables that you are studying

Question 6

Directional hypothesis

Answer 6

States the difference or relationship between 2 conditions. Say positive/negative if looking for relationship
(Alternative hypothesis)

Question 7

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 7

There will be a difference between 2 conditions
(Alternative hypothesis)

Question 8

Extraneous Variable

Answer 8

Something that affects all groups in an experiment equally
e.g. anyone in a study could get bored

Question 9

Cofounding Variable

Answer 9

Affects one group more than the other e.g. studying one group in the afternoon and the other in the morning, one group may do better than that other

Question 10

Demand characteristics

Answer 10

Participants find out the experiments intentions. Prevention: Single-blind, Double-blind, Experimental realism, Counterbalancing, Pilot studiesI

Question 11

Investigator effects

Answer 11

Conscious or unconscious clues the investigator may give that leads to demand characteristics. Prevention: Standardised instructions

Question 12

Single-Blind

Answer 12

The participants are unaware of the research aims and which condition they are receiving

Question 13

Double-Blind

Answer 13

Neither the participant or researcher are aware of the aim

Question 14

Experimental Realism

Answer 14

Researcher makes the task sufficiently engaging,, so the participant pays attention to the task and not the observation
Representative of real life situations

Question 15

Counterbalancing

Answer 15

Half the participants in a repeated measures design do A then B and some do B then A
Order effects can be controlled for

Question 16

Standardised Instructions

Answer 16

Written instructions that are read out loud to each participant in exactly the same way (Verbatim)
Must include a check to make sure participants understood

Question 17

Standardised Procedure

Answer 17

Set of procedures written and followed, so each participant experiences the same procedure

Question 18

Pilot Studies

Answer 18

Small-scale study that is conducted before a large-scale study to remove any problems with the design

Question 19

Lab Experiment

Answer 19

In a controlled environment,
Lacks real world application,
Extraneous variables are controlled,
High internal validity/Low external validity

Question 20

Field Experiments

Answer 20

In a natural environment but IV is manipulated b researcher and DV is measured, most participants unaware of being in the study so lacks informed consent,
Less control of extraneous variables than Lab, High ecological validity due to lack of demand characteristics,
Low internal validity/High external validity

Question 21

Natural Experiment

Answer 21

Pre-existing IV in a condition that is unethical to repeat (naturally occurring),
Allows for research into an area where IV cannot be manipulated,
High external validity,
Cannot demonstrate cause and effect because cannot be repeated and often studied on an individual or small group,
Low internal validity/High external validity

Question 22

Quasi Experiment

Answer 22

IV that is natural. A pre-existing difference between people (gender, age…),
Cannot demonstrate cause and effect because IV is not directly manipulated,
Carried out under controlled conditions so shares strengths with Lab,
High internal validity or Low (participant variables)/Low external validity

Question 23

Validity

Answer 23

The accuracy of a theory or study

Question 24

Internal Validity

Answer 24

Whether the study measures what it claims to

Question 25

External Validity

Answer 25

The extent to which a study reflects real life

Question 26

Ecological Validity

Answer 26

The extent to which a study’s setting/task reflects real life

Question 27

Generalisablility

Answer 27

Extent to which the sample of a study reflects the target population

Question 28

Temporal Validity

Answer 28

Extent to which the study reflects today’s society

Question 29

Mundane Realism

Answer 29

If the task can be considered a task someone would normally complete
e.g. helping and old person carry something heavy

Question 30

Reliability

Answer 30

How consistent a study is

Question 31

Economic Implications

Answer 31

The effect that psychological research has on the economy

Question 32

Repeated Measures

Answer 32

Participants take part in all conditions,
Participants may show demand characteristics,
No participant variables/Less participants needed than in an independant

Question 33

Independent Measures

Answer 33

Participants take party in one condition of an experiment,
Avoids order effects,
Cannot control participant variables e.g. abilities of participants

Question 34

Matched Pairs

Answer 34

Participants are put into pairs based on key features (potential extraneous variables) and one takes part in condition A , whilst the other in condition B,
Avoids order effects/Fewer demand characteristics,
Time consuming and difficult to find exact pairs

Question 35

How to deal with investigator effect

Answer 35

Standardised instructions

Question 36

Random Sampling

Question 37

Opportunity Sampling

Question 38

Volunteer Sampling

Question 39

Systematic Sampling

Question 40

Ethical Issues

Question 41

Informed Consent

Question 42

Deception

Question 43

Protection From Harm

Question 44

Confidentiality

Question 45

Privacy