Research Methods

Question 1

Define Natural Setting

Answer 1

An experiment that takes place in a believable, everyday setting that may make the experiment more believeable.

Question 2

Define Systematic Sampling

Answer 2

Selecting every 5 people from a group of people using a systematic method.

Question 3

How might a random sample be obtained?

Answer 3

Cut up all the names of people you are potentially choosing and then randomly pick the names out of a hat and then use those names for the experiment.

Question 4

Define positive correlation.

Answer 4

When the trend goes upwards on a graph in a diagonally right direction.

Question 5

Define negative correlation

Answer 5

When the data on a graph goes downwards in a downward right diagonal direction that the data is going down or getting worse.

Question 6

Define ecological validity

Answer 6

When the results of a study can be applied and used within the real world.

When a study is ecologically valid then the PP’s may take it more seriously and the results of the test may be more conclusive and useful.

Question 7

Define an open question

Answer 7

Where someone can answer something else but yes or no.

For example: Please could you give your opinion on the experiment?

Question 8

Define unambiguous

Answer 8

Something that only has one meaning.

Question 9

Define the observation method

Answer 9

Watching people behave and recording or measuring things about their behavior.

These studies are often carried out in a natural setting as the behavior observed will be much more natural and the results will be more conclusive and meaningful.

Question 10

Define inter-observer reliability.

Answer 10

When this is high it means that two observers have spotted the same things and their observations match and are similar.

When this is low they may have spotted different things and their results differ meaning they have low inter observer reliability.

Question 11

Define case-study

Answer 11

An in depth investigation of an individual, a small group or an organization.

Question 12

Define prediction

Answer 12

A statement made about something that will happen before the event has actually occurred

Question 13

What is opportunistic sampling method?

Answer 13

It might be choosing someone when they put their hand up or are in the room at the time you are choosing people to take part in the experiment.

Question 14

Define dependent variable

Answer 14

It is the thing that you measure in the experiment.

Question 15

Define independent variable

Answer 15

It is the thing that changes during the experiment.

Question 16

Define Hypothesis

Answer 16

A testable statement that will be investigated during an experiment

Question 17

Define Counterbalancing

Answer 17

It is eliminating the extraneous variables that may exist to balance the results and conditions of the experiment.

Question 18

How might the mean be found from a set of data?

Answer 18

You add up all of the numbers and divide by how many there are.

Question 19

How is the range found in a set of data?

Answer 19

The largest piece of data minus the smallest piece of data.

Question 20

What is the median value in a set of data?

Answer 20

It is the middle value. It is a gateway to allowing us to find out more about a set of data.

Question 21

Name some ethical issues that researchers might encounter while conducting a psychological experiment.

Answer 21

Right to withdraw

Briefing participants

De-briefing participants

That the results of the experiment will remain confidential if the participant wishes

That the participant will not be tricked or deceived into taking part in an experiment

That the participant will come to no psychological or physical harm while taking part in the experiment

That the participant will receive standardised instructions prior to the experiment starting so they know what their role and function is