Research Methods Flashcards
Define hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a testable prediction of the relationship between two or more events or characteristics.
Example: Blonde haired girls will attract more attention from boys. (As measured by the number of dates they get asked on) than brown haired girls’
What are the steps in psychology research?
Scientific Method
- Identify research problem
- Hypothesis
- Designing the method
- Collecting data
- Analysing data
- Interpreting data
- Reporting findings
Give an example of how you can analyse data.
Using bar graphs
Define Sample.
A Sample is a subsection, or smaller group, research participants selected from a larger group (called a population) of research interest.
Define population.
The term population refers to the entire group of research interest from which a sample is drawn.
Define experiment.
An experiment is used to test whether one variable influences or causes change in another variable.
An example of an experiment is…
Whether talking on a mobile phone while driving influences or causes a change in driver reaction time.
What is a variable?
A variable is something that can change in amount or kind overtime.
What is the difference between an IV and DV?
The IV is manipulated or changed by the experimenter, whereas the DV is used to observe and measure the effects of the IV.
What variable is the experimental group exposed to?
The experimental group is exposed to the experiment condition which is the IV.
What variable is the control group exposed to?
The control group is exposed to the control condition where there is no IV.
Define random allocation.
Random allocation refers to the process of assigning participants in the experiment to the control or experimental group, which each participant has an equal chance of being in either group.
Define extraneous variables.
Any variable, apart from the independent variable, that can cause a change in the dependent variable and therefore affect the results of an experiment in an unwanted way.
Finish this sentence:
Reliability refers to the consistency, dependability and…
… Stability of the results obtained from a research study.
State the meaning of validity.
Validity means the research study has produced results that accurately measure the behaviour or event that claims to have measured.
