Research methods Flashcards
What is an aim?
A straightforward expression, identifying the purpose of an investigation. Normally contains the words ‘investigate’ or ‘investigation’
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a precise, testable statement of what the researcher predicts will be the outcome of the study. Will always contain information about two variables. Usually proposes a possible relationship or cause and effect between two variables
What is an experimental/alternative hypothesis?
A hypothesis used in the context of an experiment. Predicts a difference/relationship between two variables
What is a directional (one-tailed) hypothesis?
States the expected direction of the results (use the words: more, less, increased, decreased, improved)
What is a non-directional (two-tailed) hypothesis?
States an expected difference, but does not state the direction of the results (use the words: difference, affect)
Starts with ‘there will be a difference’
What is a null hypothesis?
Predicts no difference between the two variables. It states that there will be no relationship/difference between the variables being investigated.
Always starts with ‘there will be no difference’
What is meant by ‘operationalising variables’?
Explaining how variables will be measured (DV) or manipulated (IV)
What is meant by ‘extraneous variables’?
An extraneous variable is one which MIGHT interfere with the DV (also referred to as uncontrolled variables or nuisance variables)
Why is it important to standardise in research?
- We need to make sure the procedure used and what participants are required to do is consistent
- If we do not ensure this we cannot be sure that the IV is truly manipulating changes in the DV
What is meant by the term ‘mundane realism’?
Refers to how a study mirrors the real world
If a study lacks mundane realism what are researchers unable to confidently do?
Generalise the data beyond the particular unique research setting
What is meant by the term ‘validity’?
Validity refers to whether an observed effect is a genuine one. A study is valid if it measures what it claims to measure
What is internal validity?
Concerned with what is going on inside of a study
What is external validity?
The degree to which a research finding can be generalised to other settings, groups of people and over time
What is the experimental design?
The way in which participants are allocated during an experiment
What are the two types of conditions in a basic experiment?
- The experimental condition
- The control condition
State the three types of experimental design
- Repeated measures
- Independent measures
- Matched pairs
Describe repeated measures
- The group does the experimental task with the IV set for condition 1
- The group repeats the experimental task with the IV set for condition 2
The same participants take part in both conditions
What are the problems with repeated measures?
- Individual characteristics of participants might influence the way they perform in an experiment
- Practice effect may occur, when the participants have done one condition they might perform better in the second one because they know the task
- Order effects such as fatigue and boredom affect the results
- Increased chance of demand characteristics
What are the strengths of repeated measures?
- Fewer participants are needed
- Good attempt to control participant variables
Describe independent measures
-Participants are randomly allocated to one or other of the conditions
- One group takes part in one condition
- One group takes part in the other condition
What are the strengths of independent measures?
- Reduced chance of demand characteristics
- Can use the same stimulus materials
- Order effects do not occur as the participants do only one condition
What are the problems with independent measures?
- More participants are needed
- Individual characteristics of participants which might influence the way they perform in an experiment
- Least effective design for controlling participant variables
Describe matched pairs
-Participants are matched as closely as possible with another participant- the pairs are randomly allocated to either one or the other condition