Research Methods

Question 1

What are all experiments designed around?

Answer 1

The experimental method

Question 2

Psychiatrists use the experimental methods to test a hypothesis, explain how they do this in terms of variables

Answer 2

Independent variable - manipulated by experimenter
–>
a. If pps are in randomly allocated conditions
–>
b. and extraneous variables are controlled (inc. no confounding variables
–>
Results in a Change in the dependant variable - measured by the experimenter

Question 3

What are the 3 types of experiment psychologists use?

Answer 3

Lab
Natural
Field

Question 4

What is a lab experiment?

Answer 4

It is the type of experiment that is closest to the experimental method
 > Always carried out in controlled conditions
> Not always in a laboratory
 > Experimenter controls IV and measures its effect
on DV
E.g. Loftus and Palmer (1974) used lab experiments to investigate the effects of leading questions

Question 5

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a lab experiment?

Answer 5

Strengths

1. Showing cause and effect: easier to control IV and EV in order to get an accurate measure of DV
2. Replication: If the results are repeatable, they are reliable

Weaknesses

1. Lack of validity: artificial situation
2. Demand characteristics: people may behave consciously or subconsciously, in a way that confirms researcher’s hypothesis

Question 6

What is a field experiment?

Answer 6

Are carried out in the natural social setting of the participant
 Still manipulating IV to measure effect of DV – (basic experimental method)
 Change = carried out in a natural setting often participants are not aware they are taking part

Question 7

Strengths and Weaknesses of a field experiment

Answer 7

Strengths

1. Improves external ability: natural conditions should not artificially alter the behaviour of participants
2. Reduced demand characteristics: natural social setting reduces the likelihood of participants changing their behaviour in response to cues from the researcher

Weaknesses

1. Less control: harder to control any extraneous variables
   - Therefore change in DV could be caused my EV, not IV
2. Cost: more expensive setting

Question 8

What is a Natural Experiment?

Answer 8

Are studies of naturally occurring events
> So researcher has no control over the variables
> The researcher uses natural differences in the independent variables in their experimental conditions

Question 9

Strengths and Weaknesses of a natural experiment

Answer 9

Strengths

1. Improved validity
2. Research opportunities: natural experiments allow researchers to study events that they could not normally study. E.g. Privation cannot be studied in a lab as it may not be practically possible or ethically sound

Weaknesses

1. Less control: hard to prove the IV is the cause of change to the DV because the EVs could have a confounding effect
2. Not repeatable: The are based on events that occur only once