Research Methods Flashcards
What is considered a field experiment?
A piece of research that takes place in a natural setting (where the behaviour be studied would naturally occur) but the independent variable is still being manipulated.
What is operationalisation?
Operationalisation is defining the variables specifically so that they can be directly tested. The variables need to be precise and specific and stating exactly how you are going to manipulate the IV and how the DV will be recorded. It means that other psychologists can assess whether or not the researcher has conducted valid research.
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction of what is likely to happen in the investigation based on previous knowledge, research or theory.
What is an experimental hypothesis?
A prediction for which we know the likely outcome. May also be referred to as an ‘alternative hypothesis’. It has a clear and precise statement predicting the results of the experiment.
What is a directional hypothesis?
Also known as a one-tailed hypothesis, this is predicted when we are certain of the outcome.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Also known as a two-talked hypothesis which is predicted when we are not certain of the outcome. This is usually because there are conflicting theories or there is a lack of relevant evidence.
What is a null hypothesis?
A null hypothesis is a default prediction, which the researcher can fall back on, that is supported if there is a greater likelihood of the results occurring by chance. Sometimes the difference or relationship found is too small or insignificant to be due to anything other than chance variation.
What are the three main types of independent design?
Independent groups/measures.
Repeated measures.
Matched pairs.
What is meant by the independent measures design?
This is when participants are divided into groups and only involved in one of the experimental conditions of the experiment.
What is meant by the repeated measures design?
This is when all participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.
What is meant by the matched pairs design?
This design is used to overcome the problems associated with the independent measures and repeated measures designs. Matched pairs is when different participants are assigned to each condition of the experiment but they are matched on characteristics that are important to the study.
What is meant by order effects?
When participants are taking part in an experiment that follows the repeated measures experimental design, the performance of the participants in one position is influenced by the previous condition. Order effects can include practice and fatigue effects.
What are extraneous variables?
These are factors such as situational and participant variables that may have an affect on the independent variable. Experimenters try to establish as much control over these as possible.
What are confounding variables?
Confounding variables are when an extraneous variable is not controlled and then has an effect on the dependent variable.
What is meant by situational variables?
These are extraneous variables that might affect the results of a study and can be found in the environment in which the study is conducted.
