Research Methods Flashcards
Abstract
A self-contained, clear and concise summary of the research including the aim, hypothesis, method/procedure, results and conclusions.
Why a psychologist may choose to use a directional hypothesis.
When the findings of previous research suggest a particular outcome.
Strengths of lab experiments
High control over extraneous variables so researcher can ensure that any effect on the DV is likely because of the manipulation of the IV.
Limitations of lab studies
May lack generalisability and external validity. may be artificial and not reflect everyday life.
strengths of field studies
Higher mundane realism than lab studies as the environment is more natural.
limitations of field experiments
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.
strengths of natural experiments
Provide opportunities for research that may not have otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons.
limitations of natural experiments
Can’t be precisely replicated. Naturally occurring event may happen rarely and limit generalisation of findings to similar situations.
Strengths of quasi-experiments.
Soften excited in controlled conditions so share same strengths as lab studies.
Limitations of quasi-experiments.
Can’t randomly allocate Ps to conditions and therefore there may be a confounding variable.
two sections of a scientific report.
- Abstract (provides brief summary of study, including details of each sections).
- Introduction (introduces background info on background research, leading to aims and hypothesis).
Correlation
An association between co-variables.
Case study
Involves an in-depth investigation, description, and analysis, over time, of a ‘case’, usually a single individual or a small group, or an event.
Correlation coefficient
Number between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of correlation.
Positive correlation
As one variable increases so does the other
Case history
May use interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination.
Longitudinal
Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time - but not always.
Content analysis
A type of observational research in which people are studied indirectly via the communications they have produced.
Coding
Initial stage, categorising large amounts of information into meaningful units.
Thematic analysis
A theme is any idea that keeps ‘cropping up’ as part of the communication.
Methods used in case studies.
Unstructured and semi-structured interviews, observations and past records, medical histories; diaries etc.
Weaknesses of case studies.
Cannot replicate findings, problematic generalisation; objectivity may be lost.
Ethical issues involved in case studies.
Protection from psychological harm, level of intrusion does not affect individual, consent and right to withdraw, maintain anonymity; follow-up support.
Pros of content analysis.
Flexible approach - can be adapted to produce quantitative and qualitative data as required.
Cons of content analysis.
Lac of objectivity (choice of categories and definitions decided by researchers),
Reliability
Consistency. A measuring device should produce consistent results within itself or every time it used.
Internal reliability
Items in a questionnaire or psychological test are consistent within themselves.
External reliability
A questionnaire or psychological test produces consistent results every time it is used.
Test-retest reliability
Assesses external reliability, assessing whether whatever is being measured has remained stable over time.
Inter-observer reliability
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.
External validity
Generalising research findings to different people or different environments.
Validity
Whether an observed effect is genuine.
Internal validity
Were changes in the DV due to the IV?
Face validity
The appearance of a test, should look like it is measuring what it claims to measure.
Concurrent validity
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.
Ecological validity
A form of external validity. Findings from a research study can be generalised to other environments.
Temporal validity
Findings from a research study can be generalised to other times and eras.
Mundane realism
Reflection of real life.
One example of a study that lacks temporal validity.
Milgram
Empricism
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.
Objective
Independent of bias.
Falsifiability
Capable of being disproved.
key features that characterise scientific approaches
Empirically based, systematic and controlled collection of data, reporting of information is unbiased and objective and ideas can be tested.
Experimental method
Involves manipulation of of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments can 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 investigated. Stated at outset of any study.
Directional hypothesis
States direction of difference or relationship.
