Research Methods Flashcards
Research Question
A question that the researcher intends to solve or what they are trying to find out.
Aim
A broad statement about the goal of a research investigation
Ethical Concepts
The way which we must treat participants and behave as experimenters
Beneficence
The commitment to maximizing benefits and minimizing the risks and harm
Non-maleficence
Involves actively avoiding causing harm
Respect
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.
Integrity
Whether results are favorable or unfavorable to the initial intentions of a study, the researcher is responsible to report them honest and truthfully
Justice
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
Ethical Guidelines
The rules we must follow when conducting an investigation
Voluntary Participation
An individual is not forced or pressured to participate in an investigation.
Informed Consent
Ensure that participants understand the nature and purpose of the experiment that includes potential risks. Experiments need to get voluntary written consent from participants.
Withdrawal Rights
Involves a participant being able to discontinue their involvement in an experiment, at any time.
Confidentiality
The privacy, protection and security of a participants personal information
Deception
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
Debriefing
Ensures that at the end of the experiment, the participants leaves understanding the aim, results and conclusion
Independent Variable
The treatment variable that is systematically manipulated by the researcher to assess the effects on the DV
Dependent Variable
Measurement variable used to assess the effects of the IV
Extraneous Variable
Any variable other than the IV that may cause a change in the IV, therefore effect the results
Types of Extraneous Variable
- Participant
- Experimenter
- Situational
- Non standardised instructions or procedures
Confounding Variables
A variable other than the IV that has systematically affected the DV in an unwanted way
Hypothesis
A testable prediction of the outcomes of the experiment.
Experimental Condition/Group
the group that is exposed to the experimental condition; that is, the IV is present
Control Condition/Group
the group that is exposed to the control conditions; that is, the IV is not present.
Between Subjects Design
participants are randomly allocated to either the control or experimental condition.
Within Subjects Design
participants are all involved in both the experimental and control conditions.
Population
refers to the entire group of research interest from which the sample will be drawn
Sample
refers to a subsection or smaller group of research participants selected from a larger group (population)
Random Sampling
all participants within a population have an even chance of being selected to participant in an experiment.
Convenience Sampling
all participants do not have an even chance of being selected for an experiment.
Stratified Sampling
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.
Random Allocation
participants have an even chance of being placed into either group
Non Random Allocation
the experimenter intentionally choosing which group (experimental or control) the participants are to participate in.
Qualitative Data
Data that describes characteristics or qualities.
Quantitative Data
Data that is quantified or measured.
