Research Methods

Question 1

Experimental Method

Answer 1

Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure effect on DV. May be laboratory, field, natural or quasi.

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

General statememt of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated.

Question 4

Directional hypothesis

Answer 4

states the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 5

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

Doesn’t state the direction

Question 6

Variables

Answer 6

The ‘thing’ that can vary or change within an investigation. Generally used in experimenys to determine changes.

Question 7

IV

Answer 7

Something you change

Question 8

DV

Answer 8

Something you measure

Question 9

Operationalism

Answer 9

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

Question 10

Extraneous Variable

Answer 10

Any variable, other than IV, that may effect the DV if not controlled. (Nuisance variable)

Question 11

Confounding Variables

Answer 11

Any variables, other than the IV, that may effect the DV so we can’t be sure of the true source of changes to the DV.

Question 12

Demand Characteristic

Answer 12

Something which gives away any clues of what the experiment is to the participants

Question 13

Randomisation

Answer 13

Controlling the chance of bias when designing the materials and deciding

Question 14

Standardisation

Answer 14

Making everything the same for all participants: procedures, instructions etc.

Question 15

Repeated measures

Answer 15

All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment

Question 16

Independent group design

Answer 16

Participants allocated to different groups where each group represents one experimental conditions

Question 17

Random allocation

Answer 17

linked to independent group design as participants are allocated into different groups

Question 18

Counterbalancing

Answer 18

attempt to control order effects in a repeated measures design

Question 19

Lab experiment

Answer 19

Experiment taken place in a controlled environment: researcher manipulates IV and records effect on DV with strict control on extraneous variables

Question 20

lab experiment (S & W)

Answer 20

S: more certain about demonstrating cause and effect. W: Lack generalisability, artificial, may lead participants to behave different.

Question 21

Field experiment

Answer 21

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting. Researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect in DV.