Research Methods

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A testable statement about the relationship between two variables. In an experiment these variables are called the independent variable and the dependant variable. Should start with “I think that”.

Question 2

Variable

Answer 2

A factor or thing that can change - it varies.

Question 3

Independent variable

Answer 3

The variable that the researcher alters or manipulates to look for an effect on another variable. This variable produces the two conditions of the study.

Question 4

Independent variable

Answer 4

The variable that the researcher alters or manipulates to look for an effect on another variable. This variable produces the two conditions of the study.

Question 5

Dependant variable

Answer 5

The variable that the researcher measures to see if the independent variable has affected it.

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

The method of research in which all variables other than the independent variable and the dependant variable are controlled. This allows the researcher to identify a cause - and - effect relationship between the independent variable and the dependant variable.

Question 7

Condition

Answer 7

An experiment is usually organised so there are two trails, after which the performance of the participants are compared. These are the conditions of the experiment.

Question 8

Participant

Answer 8

A person who is selected to take part in a study.

Question 9

Order effect

Answer 9

This occurs when a participant’s performance in the second condition of an experiment is affected because they have already done the first condition. They may do better because of practice or worse because of tiredness. This may happen in a repeated measures design.

Question 10

Participant variables

Answer 10

The differences between the people who take part in the study. These may affect the results of an experiment that uses an independent groups design.

Question 11

Standardised study

Answer 11

A set order of carrying out a study that is applied to all participants when necessary.

Question 12

Random allocation

Answer 12

A procedure for putting participants into conditions by chance.

Question 13

Counterbalancing

Answer 13

A procedure for evening out the order in which participants complete both conditions of an order.

Question 14

Extraneous variable

Answer 14

A variable that is not the independent variable but might affect the dependant variable if it is not controlled.

Question 15

Control

Answer 15

Making sure procedures are not the same when necessary. Not controlling procedures leads to the possibility of extraneous variables occurring and confounding the results.

Question 16

Instructions

Answer 16

The written (or verbal) information given to participants during the experiment

Question 17

Randomisation

Answer 17

Using chance to produce an order for a procedure.

Question 18

Ecological validity

Answer 18

The results of the investigation can be said to apply to real - life behaviour. They are an accurate account of behaviour in the real world.

Question 19

Objectivity

Answer 19

Not affected by personal biases.

Question 20

Participant

Answer 20

A person who is selected to take part in a study

Question 21

Sample

Answer 21

The small group of people who represent the target population and who are studied.

Question 22

Target population

Answer 22

The large group of people the researcher wishes to study.

Question 23

Representative

Answer 23

The sample of participants is made up of people who have the same characteristics and abilities as the target population.

Question 24

Generalised

Answer 24

The results from the sample can be said to apply to the target population.

Question 25

Random sample

Answer 25

Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.

Question 26

Opportunity sample

Answer 26

People who are members of the target population and are available and willing to take part.

Question 27

Systematic sample

Answer 27

Every “nth” member of the target population is selected for the sample

Question 28

Stratified sample

Answer 28

To obtain this type of sample, the different subgroups in the target population are identified; then people are randomly selected from these subgroups in proportion to their numbers in the target population.

Question 29

Raw data

Answer 29

The scores collected in a study that have not been analysed or summarised.

Question 30

Mean

Answer 30

A statistic calculated by adding all the scores in a set of values and dividing the total by the number of values in the set.

Question 31

Mode

Answer 31

The most frequently occurring value in a set of values.

Question 32

Median

Answer 32

The middle value in a set of values when the values have been arranged in ascending order.

Question 33

Range

Answer 33

The difference between the lowest and highest value in a set of values

Question 34

Anomalous result

Answer 34

An extremely high or low result that does not match the other results in a set of scores.

Question 35

Percentage

Answer 35

A proportion expressed as a fraction of 100

Question 36

Ethical issues

Answer 36

Points of concern about what is morally right.

Question 37

British Psychological Society (BPS) Guidelines

Answer 37

The ethical guidelines produced by the British Psychological Society in its code of ethics and conduct (2006) that govern the work of all practising and research psychologists and also of psychology students in the UK.