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Psychology Paper 1 > Research Methods > Flashcards

Research Methods Flashcards

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1
Q

Abstract

A

A self-contained, clear and concise summary of the research including the aim, hypothesis, method/procedure, results and conclusions.

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2
Q

Why a psychologist may choose to use a directional hypothesis.

A

When the findings of previous research suggest a particular outcome.

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3
Q

Strengths of lab experiments

A

High control over extraneous variables so researcher can ensure that any effect on the DV is likely because of the manipulation of the IV.

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4
Q

Limitations of lab studies

A

May lack generalisability and external validity. may be artificial and not reflect everyday life.

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5
Q

strengths of field studies

A

Higher mundane realism than lab studies as the environment is more natural.

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6
Q

limitations of field experiments

A

Reduced control over extraneous variables due to increased realism so precise replication may not be possible. Ethical issues arise when Ps are unaware that they’re being studies.

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7
Q

strengths of natural experiments

A

Provide opportunities for research that may not have otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons.

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8
Q

limitations of natural experiments

A

Can’t be precisely replicated. Naturally occurring event may happen rarely and limit generalisation of findings to similar situations.

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9
Q

Strengths of quasi-experiments.

A

Soften excited in controlled conditions so share same strengths as lab studies.

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10
Q

Limitations of quasi-experiments.

A

Can’t randomly allocate Ps to conditions and therefore there may be a confounding variable.

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11
Q

two sections of a scientific report.

A
  1. Abstract (provides brief summary of study, including details of each sections).
  2. Introduction (introduces background info on background research, leading to aims and hypothesis).
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12
Q

Correlation

A

An association between co-variables.

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13
Q

Case study

A

Involves an in-depth investigation, description, and analysis, over time, of a ‘case’, usually a single individual or a small group, or an event.

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14
Q

Correlation coefficient

A

Number between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of correlation.

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15
Q

Positive correlation

A

As one variable increases so does the other

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16
Q

Case history

A

May use interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination.

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17
Q

Longitudinal

A

Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time - but not always.

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18
Q

Content analysis

A

A type of observational research in which people are studied indirectly via the communications they have produced.

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19
Q

Coding

A

Initial stage, categorising large amounts of information into meaningful units.

20
Q

Thematic analysis

A

A theme is any idea that keeps ‘cropping up’ as part of the communication.

21
Q

Methods used in case studies.

A

Unstructured and semi-structured interviews, observations and past records, medical histories; diaries etc.

22
Q

Weaknesses of case studies.

A

Cannot replicate findings, problematic generalisation; objectivity may be lost.

23
Q

Ethical issues involved in case studies.

A

Protection from psychological harm, level of intrusion does not affect individual, consent and right to withdraw, maintain anonymity; follow-up support.

24
Q

Pros of content analysis.

A

Flexible approach - can be adapted to produce quantitative and qualitative data as required.

25
Q

Cons of content analysis.

A

Lac of objectivity (choice of categories and definitions decided by researchers),

26
Q

Reliability

A

Consistency. A measuring device should produce consistent results within itself or every time it used.

27
Q

Internal reliability

A

Items in a questionnaire or psychological test are consistent within themselves.

28
Q

External reliability

A

A questionnaire or psychological test produces consistent results every time it is used.

29
Q

Test-retest reliability

A

Assesses external reliability, assessing whether whatever is being measured has remained stable over time.

30
Q

Inter-observer reliability

A

Assesses the consistency of observations, the degree to which different observers give consistent recordings of the same phenomenon.
Also inter-rater reliability and inter-interviewer reliability.

31
Q

External validity

A

Generalising research findings to different people or different environments.

32
Q

Validity

A

Whether an observed effect is genuine.

33
Q

Internal validity

A

Were changes in the DV due to the IV?

34
Q

Face validity

A

The appearance of a test, should look like it is measuring what it claims to measure.

35
Q

Concurrent validity

A

Establish validity by relating one psychological measure to an existing measure of the same thing. Significant positive correlation between two sets of scores indicates validity of new procedure/test.

36
Q

Ecological validity

A

A form of external validity. Findings from a research study can be generalised to other environments.

37
Q

Temporal validity

A

Findings from a research study can be generalised to other times and eras.

38
Q

Mundane realism

A

Reflection of real life.

39
Q

One example of a study that lacks temporal validity.

A

Milgram

40
Q

Empricism

A

The belief that all knowledge should be derived from sensory experiences. If a theory hasn’t been tested using empirical methods, it cannot classify itself as being scientific.

41
Q

Objective

A

Independent of bias.

42
Q

Falsifiability

A

Capable of being disproved.

43
Q

key features that characterise scientific approaches

A

Empirically based, systematic and controlled collection of data, reporting of information is unbiased and objective and ideas can be tested.

44
Q

Experimental method

A

Involves manipulation of of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments can be lab, field, natural or quasi.

45
Q

Aim

A

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study.

46
Q

Hypothesis

A

A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at outset of any study.

47
Q

Directional hypothesis

A

States direction of difference or relationship.

Psychology Paper 1 (5 decks)

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