Research Methods - 6

Question 1

Define experimental method

Answer 1

The experimental method concerns the manipulation of an independent variable to have an effect on the dependent variable which is measured and stated in results

Question 2

What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 2

A directional hypothesis states the direction of the impact of independent variable on the dependent variable whereas non-directional does not state the direction of the relationship between the IV and the DV

Question 3

Explain what is meant by operationalisation

Answer 3

The process by which a researcher defines how a concept is measured, observed or manipulated within a particular study.

Question 4

What is the difference between the independent variable and the dependent variable?

Answer 4

IV is the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the DV whereas the DV is the variable that is being measured and is affected by the IV

Question 5

What is the solution to the problem of order effects caused by a repeated measures design?

Answer 5

Counterbalancing, this is when half of the participants are made to do conditions in one order and the other half in the opposite order.

Question 6

Explain the difference between the aim and the hypothesis

Answer 6

The aim tells us what the study is investigating whereas the hypothesis predicts the relationship between the IV and the DV

Question 7

Identify the four types of experiments

Answer 7

Laboratory, Field, Quasi and Natural

Question 8

Define reliability

Answer 8

A measure of consistency

Question 9

What are the different ethical issues that research may present?

Answer 9

Informed consent, Deception, Protection from harm and Privacy and confidentiality