Research Methods Flashcards
5 sampling techniques
Random Systematic Stratified Opportunity Volunteer
Random sample
Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
Strength- no researcher bias
Weakness- need a complete list of the whole population
Systematic sample
Every nth person is chosen from a list
Strength- no researcher bias
Weakness- need a complete list of the whole population
Stratified sample
The proportion of people in population subgroups (strata) are reflected in the sample
Strength- likely to be representative of the whole population
Weakness- difficult to identify different strata sometimes
Opportunity sample
Whoever is available at the time of sampling will be included
Strength- convenient
Weakness- could be biased
Volunteer sample
Participants self select
Strength- convenient
Weakness- could be biased
List of ethical issues
Deception Lack of informed consent Physical or psychological harm Pressure to continue Dealing with issues arising in the research Identifiable participants Invasion of privacy
List of non-experimental studies
Questionnaires Interviews Case studies Correlational studies Observations
Correlation coefficient
A number which tells you how strong an association is and whether it is a positive or negative correlation
Strong negative correlation
-1
No correlation
0
Strong positive correlation
+1
Strength correlational studies
See how things are related
Weakness correlational studies
Cannot establish cause and effect
4 types of experimental method
Quasi
Field
Natural
Lab
Lab experiment
True experiment- the IV is manipulated Highly controlled conditions- fewer/ no extraneous variables People could act unnaturally Low mundane realism Possible low external validity
Field experiment
True experiment- the IV is manipulated
Natural environment means lower internal validity
People act more naturally
High mundane realism
Usually high external validity
Might not be able to gain participants consent
No demand characteristics
Possible low internal validity
Could have extraneous/ confounding variables
Natural experiment
No manipulation of the IV Can take place in a lab High external validity but not for the whole population Probable low internal validity Probable confounding variables
Quasi experiment
No manipulation of the IV Often carried out in a lab Can be confounding variables Probable high internal validity Possible low external validity
Type of experimental design
Independent groups
Repeated measures
Matched pairs
Independent groups
Different groups undertake the IV each
Strength- reduces order effects, lower chance of demand characteristics
Weakness- less economical
Repeated measures
Each participant undertakes every IV
Strength- participant variables are controlled, cheaper
Weakness- order effects (but can use counterbalance), higher chance of demand characteristics
Matched pairs
Participants are paired together on variables relevant to the experiment, then each member of the group is allocated to the IV
Strength- lower chance of demand characteristics, reduces order effects
Weakness- more expensive, participant variables are not completely controlled
Types of consent
Presumptive
Prior general
Retrospective
Presumptive consent
Instead of the participants, a similar group of people are asked if the study is acceptable
Prior general consent
Participants give their permission to take part in many different studies, including one involving deception
Retrospective
Participants are asked for their consent having already taken part in the study
