Research Methods Flashcards
Pilot Study
A small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted. The aim is to check that procedures, materials etc. work and to allow researcher to make changes if necessary.
Single-blind Procedures
A type of research design in which a participant is not aware of research aims and/or of which condition of the experiment they are receiving.
Double-blind Procedures
Neither the participant nor researcher conducting the study are aware of the research aims or other important details of a study, and thus have no expectations that might alter a participant’s behaviour.
Pie Chart
Discreet data. Used for percentages and categorical data.
Histogram
Used for continuous data. Columns touch because each one forms single score (interval) on a related scale. Frequency on y-axis. Scores on x-axis.
Scattergram
A type of graph that represents the strength and direction of a relationship between co-variables in a correlational analysis.
Bar Chart
A type of graph in which the frequency of each variable is represented by the height of the bars. Used for discreet categorical data.
Line Graph
Used to represent continuous numerical data. Can be used to make estimations about the scores between those represented on the graph. All points are plotted and a line drawn between them.
Population Validity
Type of external validity which describes how well the sample used can be generalised to a population as a whole.
Internal Validity
Whether the effects observed in an experiment are due to manipulation of independent variables or another factor. (How controlled the study is.)
Ecological Validity
A type of external validity. How well you can generalise a study to different settings or situations. Must have/be: (1) mundane realism of task, (2) mundane realism of environment, (3) do participants know they are taking part?
External Validity
How well you can generalise from research participants - affected by internal validity.
Mundane Realism
How realistic the task is (in everyday life).
Operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
Null Hypothesis
Predicts no relationship between co-variables.
Hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study.
Directional Hypothesis
States the direction of the difference or relationship.
Non-directional Hypothesis
Does not state the direction of the difference or relationship.
Independent Variable
The variable that changes.
Dependent Variable
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.
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 in another.
Extraneous Variable
Any variable, other than the IV, that may have an effect on the DV if it is to controlled.
Confounding Variables
Any variable, other than the IV, that may have affected the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of changes to the DV.
Repeated Measures
All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.