Research Methods Flashcards
Experimental method
Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments may be lab, field, natural or quasi.
Aim
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study.
Hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigating. Stated at the outset of any study.
Directional hypothesis
States the direction of the difference or relationship.
Non directional hypothesis
Doesn’t state the direction.
Variables
Any ‘thing’ that can vary or change within an investigation. Variables are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing result in changes to another.
Independent variable
Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher, or changes naturally, so that the DV can be measured.
Dependent variable
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.
Operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
Extraneous variables
Any variable, other than the independent variable, that may have an effect on the dependent variable if it’s not controlled. EV’s are essentially nuisance variables.
Confounding variables
Any variable, other than the IV that may have effected the DV so we can’t be sure of the true source of changes to the DV.
Demand characteristics
Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation. This may lead to a participant changing their behaviour within the research situation.
Investigator effects
Any effect of the investigators behaviour on the DV. This may include the design of the study or the interaction with participants during the research process.
Randomisation
The use of chance in order to control for the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.
Standardisation
Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.
Experimental design
The different ways in which the testing of participants can be organised in relation to the experimental conditions.
Independent groups design
Participants are allocated to different groups where each group represents one experimental condition.
Repeated measures
All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.
Matched pairs design
Pairs of participants are first matched on some variable(s) that may affect the DV. Then one member of the pair is assigned to condition A and the other to condition B.
Random allocation
An attempt to control for participant variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance if being in one condition as any other.
Counterbalancing
An attempt to control for the effects of order in a repeated measures design: half the participants experience the conditions in one order, and the other in the opposite order.
Lab experiment
Takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables.
Field experiment
Takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV.
Natural experiment
The change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on the DV.
Quasi experiment
The IV has not been determined by anyone, the ‘variables’ simply exist, such as being old or young.
Population
A group of people who are the focus of the researchers interest, from which a smaller sample is drawn.
Sample
A group of people who take part in a research investigation. It’s drawn from a population and is presumed to be representative of that population.
Sampling techniques
The method used to select people from the population.
Bias
When certain groups may be over or under represented within the sample selected. This limits the extent to which generalisations can be made to the target population.
Generalisation
The extent to which findings and conclusions from a particular investigation can be broadly applied to the population. Only possible if the sample is representative of the population.
Ethical issues
Occurs when a conflict exists between the rights of the participants in research studies and the goals of the research. Informed consent, deception, protection from harm and privacy/confidentiality.
BPS code of ethics
Instructs psychologists in the UK about what behaviour is and isn’t acceptable when dealing with participants.
Pilot study
A small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real one. It’s to check everything works or to make adjustments if necessary.
Single blind procedure
Participants not told the aim of the research at the beginning. Aims to control demand characteristics.
Double blind procedure
Participants and the researcher who conducts the study isn’t aware of the aim of the research.
Naturalistic observation
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting in which it would normally occur.
Controlled observation
Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment, where some variables are managed.
Covert observation
Participant is unaware that they are being watched/ recorded. No consent.
Overt observation
Participant is aware that they are being watched/recorded. Give consent.
Participant observation
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
Non participant observation
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
Behavioural categories
When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable.
Event sampling
A target behaviour or event is first established then the researcher records this event every time it occurs.
Time sampling
A target individual or group is first established then the researcher records their behaviour in a fixed time, eg. every 60 seconds.