Research Methods Flashcards
Non directional hypothesis
One variable is not going to be better or worse than the other just different
What is a directional hypothesis?
Stating that one variable is going to be better than another
Operationalised
Dependant and independent variable specific enough to be tested
What is external validity?
Whether the results can be compared to other situations
Internal validity
Correct equipment ha been used to carry out the experiment accurately
What are demand characteristics?
Something that influences the participants perception of what is expected of them
What are investigator effects
When the investigator unconsciously affects get results and makes them invalid
What is an experimental group?
The manipulation of the independent variable
What is the control group
Where all the variables are kept constant besides those being systematically varied
What is presumptive consent?
Gaining information (consent) off other people to whether they would be happy with the terms of the study. If so, we can assume individuals would also be happy with it
What 3 different types of experimental designs are there?
Independent groups, repeated measures and matched pairs
What is independent groups
Where participants are split into groups and then each group is tested on a different variable
What is repeated measures
Where each participant is tested on the same thing and they all take part in every condition
What is matched pairs
Where there are two separate groups and they are paired by similar characteristics and then split up so each group is equal
What are the strengths of independent groups
It reduces the boredom of the participants because they only have to do one test
What are the strengths of mixed pairs
There is a mixed ability in each group
What are the weakness’ of independent groups
There is no control of participants different abilities
You need twice as many participants to be able to do both tests
What are the weakness’ of repeated measures
The second time participants do the study they might realise the aim of the study and so act differently
What are the weakness’ of matched pairs experimental design
It’s very time consuming to be able to match everyone accurately
A large group of people are needed so that suitable pairs can be found
May not control all variables
What 3 types of experiments can be conducted
Lab, field, natural
What is a lab experiment
A test done in a lab so the variables can be carefully controlled
It is done to investigate causal relationships between two variables
What are the strengths of a lab experiment
Because it is well controlled the extraneous variables are minimised
And the experiment can be easily repeated
What are the weakness’ of a lab experiment
Participants know they are being studied so their behaviour will affect the results
Low in mundane realism (because the situation is not very normal/life like)
What is a field experiment?
To investigate casual relationships in a more natural environment
