Research Methods

Question 1

Research Question

Answer 1

A question that the researcher intends to solve or what they are trying to find out.

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

A broad statement about the goal of a research investigation

Question 3

Ethical Concepts

Answer 3

The way which we must treat participants and behave as experimenters

Question 4

Beneficence

Answer 4

The commitment to maximizing benefits and minimizing the risks and harm

Question 5

Non-maleficence

Answer 5

Involves actively avoiding causing harm

Question 6

Respect

Answer 6

The consideration of the value of living things, regarding participant welfare, liberty, autonomy, beliefs, perceptions, customs, cultural heritage and considering the capacity of an individual to make their own decisions.

Question 7

Integrity

Answer 7

Whether results are favorable or unfavorable to the initial intentions of a study, the researcher is responsible to report them honest and truthfully

Question 8

Justice

Answer 8

Involves the moral obligation to ensure that competing claims are considered fairly, that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action taken, and that there is fair distribution and access to the benefits of an action

Question 9

Ethical Guidelines

Answer 9

The rules we must follow when conducting an investigation

Question 10

Voluntary Participation

Answer 10

An individual is not forced or pressured to participate in an investigation.

Question 11

Informed Consent

Answer 11

Ensure that participants understand the nature and purpose of the experiment that includes potential risks. Experiments need to get voluntary written consent from participants.

Question 12

Withdrawal Rights

Answer 12

Involves a participant being able to discontinue their involvement in an experiment, at any time.

Question 13

Confidentiality

Answer 13

The privacy, protection and security of a participants personal information

Question 14

Deception

Answer 14

When knowing the true purpose of an experiment may affect the results, an experimenter may choose to not inform the participant of the true purpose

Question 15

Debriefing

Answer 15

Ensures that at the end of the experiment, the participants leaves understanding the aim, results and conclusion

Question 16

Independent Variable

Answer 16

The treatment variable that is systematically manipulated by the researcher to assess the effects on the DV

Question 17

Dependent Variable

Answer 17

Measurement variable used to assess the effects of the IV

Question 18

Extraneous Variable

Answer 18

Any variable other than the IV that may cause a change in the IV, therefore effect the results

Question 19

Types of Extraneous Variable

Answer 19

• Participant
• Experimenter
• Situational
• Non standardised instructions or procedures

Question 20

Confounding Variables

Answer 20

A variable other than the IV that has systematically affected the DV in an unwanted way

Question 21

Hypothesis

Answer 21

A testable prediction of the outcomes of the experiment.

Question 22

Experimental Condition/Group

Answer 22

the group that is exposed to the experimental condition; that is, the IV is present

Question 23

Control Condition/Group

Answer 23

the group that is exposed to the control conditions; that is, the IV is not present.

Question 24

Between Subjects Design

Answer 24

participants are randomly allocated to either the control or experimental condition.

Question 25

Within Subjects Design

Answer 25

participants are all involved in both the experimental and control conditions.

Question 26

Population

Answer 26

refers to the entire group of research interest from which the sample will be drawn

Question 27

Sample

Answer 27

refers to a subsection or smaller group of research participants selected from a larger group (population)

Question 28

Random Sampling

Answer 28

all participants within a population have an even chance of being selected to participant in an experiment.

Question 29

Convenience Sampling

Answer 29

all participants do not have an even chance of being selected for an experiment.

Question 30

Stratified Sampling

Answer 30

dividing the population into distinct groups, or strata, then selecting a separate sample from each stratum, usually in the same proportions as they occur in the ‘target’ population.

Question 31

Random Allocation

Answer 31

participants have an even chance of being placed into either group

Question 32

Non Random Allocation

Answer 32

the experimenter intentionally choosing which group (experimental or control) the participants are to participate in.

Question 33

Qualitative Data

Answer 33

Data that describes characteristics or qualities.

Question 34

Quantitative Data

Answer 34

Data that is quantified or measured.