Research Methods

Question 1

Descriptive statistics

Answer 1

Measures of central tendency

Measures of dispersion

Graphs

Tables

Question 2

Measures of dispersion

Answer 2

Measure of variation in a set of scores

Question 3

Range

Answer 3

Calculation of dispersion I.e. Variation.

Subtracting lowest number from highest number and adding 1

Question 4

Content analysis definition

Answer 4

Content analysis is a type of observational research used to indirectly study behaviour by examining media. The aim is to summarise and describe the communication in a systematic way to make valid inferences and hence, draw conclusions.

Question 5

Coding in content analysis

Answer 5

Coding is the initial stage of content analysis. It involves converting qualitative data into quantitive data. Coding involves counting the number of times a particular word, phrase or instance appears in order to categorise the information into a meaningful unit.

Question 6

Thematic analysis

Answer 6

Thematic analysis involves generating qualitative data. It involved identifying a theme- which refers to any idea, explicit or implicit, that is re- current. E.g men are presented as better then women. This is likely to be descriptive and involve support from direct quotes to illustrate themes. Some themes may only emerge after coding.

Question 7

Content analysis strength

Answer 7

Able to get around ethical issues normally associated psychological research. For example, informed consent and privacy. Most material e.g. Films, tv already exists within public domain. So, no issues obtaining permission.

Question 8

Content analysis strength:
Communications of more sensitive nature e.g. Conversation by text, diary are high in external validity. And therefore, conclusions drawn likely to be able to be generalised.

Answer 8

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Question 9

Content analysis: weakness in

Answer 9

Causality cannot be established as it merely describes the data.

Question 10

Content analysis weakness

Answer 10

Content analysis may lack objectivity where thematic analysis is involved. This is because it is down to the subjective interpretation of the researcher and so conclusions may not be valid.

Question 11

Internal reliability

Answer 11

Is the extent to which a measure is consistent within itself. I.e measure of whether different questions on the same test measure the same thing.

Question 12

External reliability

Answer 12

Refers to the extent to which a measure varies from one use to another. I.e. Does a test arrive at the same result but on a different day.

Question 13

Test re test method

For use in questionnaires and interviews

Answer 13

By assessing the same person on two separate occasions this shows the extent to which the measure is externally reliable.
If the test is reliable then the results obtained each time should be the same /similar.
The scores should be correlated. Use statistical test to see if correlation is significant. If it is then it is reliable.

Question 14

Inter-observer reliability
The extent to which there is agreement between two or more observers. If behavioural categories are not operationalised properly then judgements on what to record where lends itself to subjectivity . And this records may be inconsistent.

Answer 14

The data of the two observers should be correlated.
Use a statistical test to assess significance.
If significant then inter-rater reliability is high

Question 15

Internal validity

Answer 15

The extent to which a researcher has measured what they intend to measure. Is the effect on the DV caused by the manipulation of the IV.

Question 16

External validity

Answer 16

The extent to which the findings can be generalised to other settings, populations and eras, outside of the investigation.

Question 17

Ecological validity

SETTING

Answer 17

Refers to the extent to which the findings can be generalised from from one setting to another. In particular ‘everyday life’.

Question 18

Temporal validity

HISTORICAL

Answer 18

The extent to which findings can be generalised to other historical times and eras. I.e do they remain true over time.

Question 19

Assessing validity:

Face validity

Answer 19

Does a test appear ‘on the face of it’ to measure what it is supposed to. I.e does it look like it does or not.

Question 20

Assessing validity

Concurrent validity

Answer 20

The extent to which results obtained from a test a similar or match those obtained from a pre existing, well-established, similar measure.

Question 21

Improvements of validity

Experiment

Answer 21

Single blind procedure
Double blind procedure
Randomisation of design of study, selection of pps.

Question 22

Observations

Answer 22

Remain anonymous to avoid social desirability bias

Question 23

Observations

Answer 23

Remain covert
Participant reactivity
Demand characteristics
Natural, valid behaviour

Question 24

Type 1 error

Answer 24

When null hypothesis is rejected and alternative hypothesis accepted when it should have been the other way around.

When p value - level of significance is too high .

Question 25

Type 2 error

Answer 25

When null hypothesis is accepted and alternative hypothesis rejected when it should have been the other way around.

Level of significance I.e. P value is too stringent.

Question 26

Sections of a scientific report

Answer 26

Abstract: short summary including major elements( aims, hypothesis,method,procedure, results, conclusion

Introduction- review of past research, theories, concepts relevant to study. Aims and hypothesis stated.

Method- should be able to replicate
Design- experimental design, observation, interview etc. Justify .
Sample- technique used, target population, how many
Apparatus used for assessment
Ethics - how they were addressed
Procedure - briefing, standardised instructors and debriefing given.

Results- summary of key finding
Using descriptive statistics
Tables measures of central tendency, dispersion graphs
Qualitative data - themes and categories.

Discussion- what study tells us about psychological theory. Wider implications. Improvements.

Referencing of materials usedz