Research Methods Flashcards
Alternate/ Experimental Hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that includes named variables which are operationalised and includes and prediction.
Null Hypothesis
A statement of coincidence chance.
Direction/ One-Tailed Hypothesis
Predicts the direction in white change is expected to occur, using previous research to suggest what direction the change may be while using words such as faster/ slower, bigger/ smaller and more/ less.
Non-directional/ Two-Tailed Hypothesis
Predicts change but does not specifiy direction. This is used when there is no previous research, is non-specific and uses words like effect, change and difference.
Laboratory Experiment
An artificial experiment where all conditions are controlled.
Field Experiment
A more realistic experiment where the variables and conditions cannot be controlled.
Natural Experiment
An experiment into the effects of things already happened.
Quasi Experiment
Investigation into a naturally occurring independent variable e.g. age or autism.
Laboratory Experiment Evaluation
+ Complete control of variables.
+ Forces pace of research.
+ Reliable
+ Quantitative Data
+ Able to use technical equipment
- Lacks ecological validity.
- Demand characteristics
- Sampling bias
- Ethics
Field Experiment Evaluation
+ Ecologically valid
+ Reduce demand characteristics
- Cannot control variables as easily
- Unable to control research pace
- Harder to replicated
- Unable to use technical equipment
Natural Experiment Evaluation
+ High ecological validity
- No control over variable
- Ethically wrong- might help more people
Quasi Experiment Evaluation
+ Reduction of demand characteristics
+ Lack of direct intervention
- Loss of control over variables
Demand Characteristics
A subtle queue that makes participants aware what the experimenter expects, influencing their behaviour.
Social Desirability
The participant changes their behaviour or answers to look good and be deemed social acceptable.
Investigator Effect
The researcher influences the outcome of the research, possibly due to their body language, or their own expectations.
Situational Variables
Outside influences on the experiment affecting the results.
Order Effect
Influences like practice, boredom and fatigue that often occur when a task is undertaken more than once.
Counterbalancing- order effect
Used in repeated measures design- changes the order of the tasks to reduce order effect.
Randomisation- order effect
Randomising the order of tasks/ presentation of data.
Individual Differences
Differences between participants such as intelligence, age, gender, social class, fitness, etc.
Repeated Measures Design
Involves the same participant in each condition.
Repeated Measures Design Evaluation
+ Control for individual differences
+ Need fewer participants
- Generates order effect
- Vulnerability to low validity
Independent Measures Design
Uses different participants in each condition
Independent Measures Design Evaluation
+ High validity
+ Control for order effect
- Reduced control for individual differences
- More participants