Research Methods

Question 1

Alternate hypothesis

Answer 1

A statement predicting a difference or correlation in results

Question 2

Bar chart

Answer 2

A chart that uses bars to represent the different frequencies of categories

Question 3

Bias

Answer 3

Only viewing things from a certain perspective

Question 4

Case study

Answer 4

An in depth analysis of one person or group

Question 5

Closed questions

Answer 5

Questions for which there are set responses to choose from

Question 6

Confidentiality

Answer 6

Protecting the identity of participants by not revealing names or other details

Question 7

Consensus

Answer 7

When everyone agrees on something

Question 8

Covert observation

Answer 8

To observe people without them knowing

Question 9

Cross sectional study

Answer 9

Where two or more groups are compared

Question 10

Dependent variable

Answer 10

What is measured

Question 11

Ecological validity

Answer 11

If it reflects everyday situations

Question 12

Experiment

Answer 12

A method by which the researcher controls variables and measures their effect

Question 13

Field experiment

Answer 13

An experiment carried out in a natural environment

Question 14

Hypothesis

Answer 14

A statement predicting an outcome

Question 15

Independent groups design

Answer 15

An experimental design where participants are different in each condition

Question 16

Independent variable

Answer 16

Something the researcher changes or manipulates

Question 17

Interview

Answer 17

Face to face questioning

Question 18

Laboratory experiment a study in an artificial environment

Answer 18

a study in an artificial environment

Question 19

Non participant observation

Answer 19

To observe people from a difference

Question 20

Null hypothesis

Answer 20

A statement which predicts no difference or correlation in results

Question 21

Observation

Answer 21

To watch someone with the purpose of learning about behaviour

Question 22

Extraneous variables

Answer 22

A variable that could affect the dependent variable if not controlled

Question 23

Standardisation

Answer 23

Keeping other variables constant

Question 24

Sample

Answer 24

A smaller group selected from a larger population

Question 25

Target population

Answer 25

The entire set of people researchers want to generalise their results to

Question 26

Random sample

Answer 26

A sample for which everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being chosen

Question 27

Opportunity sampling

Answer 27

A sample drawn from the target population because they are available and convenient

Question 28

Advantage of repeated measures

Answer 28

Any change in performance or behaviour between conditions are not due to a change in participants

Question 29

Advantage of random sampling

Answer 29

More representative

Question 30

Self report

Answer 30

When participants report their own experiences

Question 31

Questionnaire

Answer 31

A set of pre determined questions which are same for all respondents

Question 32

Correlation study

Answer 32

A study that analyses two sets of data for a relationship

Question 33

Longitudinal study

Answer 33

A study carried out over a long period of time

Question 34

Quantitative

Answer 34

Numerical

Question 35

Qualitative

Answer 35

Descriptive

Question 36

Validity

Answer 36

Reflecting the truth

Question 37

Reliability

Answer 37

Consistency, replicates itself

Question 38

Inter rater reliability

Answer 38

When two or more researchers agree on their findings

Question 39

Demand characteristics

Answer 39

Cues in an experiment which give away the aim

Question 40

Observer effect

Answer 40

When participants behave differently from normal because they know they are being watched

Question 41

Social desirability

Answer 41

Responses that participants give when they say what they believe the researcher wants to hear