Research Methods Flashcards
Dependant Variable (DV)
Effect
Is effected by other variable
Independent Variable (IV)
Cause
Effects other variable
Aim
Objective.
To investigate the effect of CAUSE on EFFECT.
Hypothesis
Prediction about the relationship between variables.
It is predicted that SAMPLE who EXPERIENCE THE IV will show an INCREASE/DECREASE in/of THE DV than participants who do not EXPERIENCE THE IV.
Psychology
The systematic study of behaviour and mental processes.
-Perception, cognition and emotion.
Pseudoscience
Has no scientific merit.
- inconsistent
- no systematic research methodology
Behaviour
Observable response.
- Overt: external
- Covert: hidden/covered
Mental Processes
Thinking, reasoning and analytical skills.
The Barnum Effect
A subjective validation in which a person finds personal meaning in statements that could apply to many people.
Control group
Exposed to all conditions except the independent variable.
Experimental group
Exposed to the independent variable
Raw Data
Data collected and recorded in its original form.
Extraneous Variable
A randomly occurring variable which changes the DV.
Naturalistic Observation
Observing a subject in its natural environment.
Observer Effect
Changes in behaviour caused by an awareness of being observed.
Observer Bias
When the observer’s personal factors interfere with the results.
Wording Effect
Difference in question phrasing effecting answers.
Longitudinal Study
Collects data over periods of time using the same participants.
Cross-Sectional Study
Preformed at in one period.
Twin Studies
Reduce the effects of nature/genetics on results.
Correlation
Relationship between variables.
Confounding Variable
Any systematic variable that is not the IV.
Qualitative Data
Written in words.
Quantitative Data
Numerical.
