Research Methods Flashcards
Alternate hypothesis
A statement predicting a difference or correlation in results
Bar chart
A chart that uses bars to represent the different frequencies of categories
Bias
Only viewing things from a certain perspective
Case study
An in depth analysis of one person or group
Closed questions
Questions for which there are set responses to choose from
Confidentiality
Protecting the identity of participants by not revealing names or other details
Consensus
When everyone agrees on something
Covert observation
To observe people without them knowing
Cross sectional study
Where two or more groups are compared
Dependent variable
What is measured
Ecological validity
If it reflects everyday situations
Experiment
A method by which the researcher controls variables and measures their effect
Field experiment
An experiment carried out in a natural environment
Hypothesis
A statement predicting an outcome
Independent groups design
An experimental design where participants are different in each condition
Independent variable
Something the researcher changes or manipulates
Interview
Face to face questioning
Laboratory experiment a study in an artificial environment
a study in an artificial environment
Non participant observation
To observe people from a difference
Null hypothesis
A statement which predicts no difference or correlation in results
Observation
To watch someone with the purpose of learning about behaviour
Extraneous variables
A variable that could affect the dependent variable if not controlled
Standardisation
Keeping other variables constant
Sample
A smaller group selected from a larger population
Target population
The entire set of people researchers want to generalise their results to
Random sample
A sample for which everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being chosen
Opportunity sampling
A sample drawn from the target population because they are available and convenient
Advantage of repeated measures
Any change in performance or behaviour between conditions are not due to a change in participants
Advantage of random sampling
More representative
Self report
When participants report their own experiences
Questionnaire
A set of pre determined questions which are same for all respondents
Correlation study
A study that analyses two sets of data for a relationship
Longitudinal study
A study carried out over a long period of time
Quantitative
Numerical
Qualitative
Descriptive
Validity
Reflecting the truth
Reliability
Consistency, replicates itself
Inter rater reliability
When two or more researchers agree on their findings
Demand characteristics
Cues in an experiment which give away the aim
Observer effect
When participants behave differently from normal because they know they are being watched
Social desirability
Responses that participants give when they say what they believe the researcher wants to hear
