Research Methods AS Flashcards
Define an aim
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study.
Define a hypothesis
A clear, precise testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study.
Define a directional hypothesis (with an example)
States the direction or relationship.
E.g. Students taught basic maths using the new teaching method will get a higher result than those taught with the old teaching method.
Define a non-directional hypothesis (with an example)
A form of hypothesis that states a difference, correlation or association between two variables but does not specify the direction (e.g. more or less, positive or negative) of such a relationship.
E.g. Students taught basic maths using the new teaching method will produce results that may differ to those taught using the old teaching method in the 20 Question Test.
Define the Independent Variable (IV) with an example
Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher- or changes naturally- so the effect on the DV can be measured.
E.g. The old and new teaching methods
Define the Dependant Variable (DV) with an example
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.
E.g. Calculating and comparing the percentages of the answers from the test
Define operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
Define extraneous variables (EV) with an example
Any variable other than the IV that may have an effect on the DV if it is not controlled. They do not vary systematically with the IV.
E.g. If it snows the children will be distracted so not listen and produce bad results
Define a confounding variable
Any variable that affects the IV directly but not the DV.
E.g. whether the teacher is classed as a good teacher or not as they will be more efficient at teaching
Define demand characteristics (with an example)
Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by the participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation. This may lead to a participant changing their behaviour within the research situation.
E.g. the children may listen more so may produce better results.
Define the investigator effects (with an example)
Any effect of the investigators’ behaviour (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome (the DV). This may include everything from the design of the study to the selection of, and interaction with, participants during the research process.
