Research Methods Flashcards
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment conducted in a laboratory, it is a controlled environment so the experimenter has control over many aspects in the lab.
What is a natural experiment?
An experiment where the IV (independent variable) is not manipulated by the experimenter.
What is a field experiment?
An experiment that takes place in a natural setting. The researcher deliberately changes the IV and measures the effect of IV on DV. It is more difficult to control EVs (extraneous variables) in a field experiment rather than a laboratory experiment.
What is an extraneous variable?
Any variable (except for the IV) that could have an affect on the DV. If EVs are not controlled the researcher may not know what truly caused the change in the DV.
What is a standardised procedure?
When participants need to receive the same information throughout an investigation. In the lab setting, this can be done easier since it is easier to make sure everything is the same for all participants.
What is Randomization?
Using chance during the investigation.
It reduce bias since the researcher cannot decide the key aspects of the study so it cannot be altered by the researcher.
State the weaknesses and strengths of a lab experiment-
One weakness is that it’s not like everyday life since it’s too artificial.
Another weakness is that the participants may know they’re being tested and so might change their behaviour to help the researcher get the results they need.
Strength is that EVs can be controlled due to being in a controlled environment. So the procedure can be replicated by another researcher since it can use standrised procedures
Strengths and weaknesses for field experiment-
S- more realistic since it is conducted in a natural environment.
S- follow standardized procedures so EVs can slightly be controlled.
W- researcher may lose control of EVs due to being in a real life setting.
W- ethical issues may rise due to ppl not knowing they’re being involved in an experiment.
Strengths and weaknesses of a natural experiment-
S- high validity due to being in a real life setting so people would act normal.
S- when the DV is measured there can be high control over EVs.
W- there may be unique characteristics in participants.
What is repeated measures and the strengths and weaknesses?
When all the participants take part in all of the conditions of the experiment.
S- participants variables are removed since each participant is compared with themselves.
S- fewer participants are needed.
W- order effects may occur. the participants are tested twice, so the order in which they do the task may make a difference.
Identify the sampling methods and outline them-
Random sampling- every member of the target population has a chance of being selected.
Systematic sampling- numerical formula is used, selecting every nth person on a list.
Opportunity sampling- selecting people who are available and happen to be there at the time.
Stratified sampling- participants are selected from different subgroups in the target population in proportion to that subgroups frequency in that population.
Outline the ethical considerations-
Informed consent- participants should be given information about the aims and purpose of the study. Participants should be asked to sign a consent form.
Deception- participants should not be lied to or misled. However mild deception can be justified. Participants should be given a debriefing and be told anything they haven’t been told at the start of the study.
Protection from harm- participants should not be placed at risk. Their physical and mental health should be protected at all times.
Privacy- participants should be able to protect their personal information and not share things they don’t want too for the sake of research study.
Confidentiality- participants identity,data,etc should be protected at all times to protect their privacy. Participants should remain anonymous to deal with this issue.
Strengths and weaknesses of correlations in psychological research-
S- it’s a good starting point for research since you’re able to see if 2 variables are connected. Able to see if there’s a relationship between variables.
W- collecting a large data set of correlations to be considered reliable tend to be time consuming and expensive for researchers.
