Research Methods - Credibility

Question 1

Laboratory Experiments - Strength

Operationalising the IV and DV = Reliability

Answer 1

Due to the independent and dependent variables being operationalised laboratory experiments can be replicated to check
for consistency of results, as the same number of details about the (photographs) recalled, so increasing reliability.

Question 2

Laboratory Experiments - Strength

Controlling variables = validity

Answer 2

Controlling extraneous variables increases the validity of laboratory experiments, for example, Loftus and Palmer (1974)
can be sure the videos did not affect the estimated speed as all participants saw the same videos.

Question 3

Structured Interviews - Strength

Reliability - Standardised interview schedule

Answer 3

The standardised nature of a structured interview means that all participants get the same obedience questions, so the responses about their attitudes to obedience can be compared and tested for
reliability.

Question 4

Semi-Structured Interview - Strength

Validity - indepth data

Answer 4

A researcher can gather rich and in-depth valid data in respect of the views about the aim of the study as they can explain their questions and fully explore any answers the participants may give.

Question 5

Semi-Structured Interview - Strength

Reliability - repeating the interview

Answer 5

A researcher could repeat their semi-structured interview with the
participants and compare their responses to test for reliability because they will be beginning with the same pre-set questions for each of the person.

Question 6

Field Experiment - Strength

Ecological Validity - Natural Setting

Answer 6

Being in a natural setting, the participants’ memory performance would be more likely to be their usual response, so the research
would be higher in ecological validity.

Question 7

Field Experiment - Strength

Cause and Effect

Answer 7

By precisely manipulating the IV and carefully measuring the DV, field experiments can infer some level of cause and effect between a factor affecting memory and the memory performance.

Question 8

Questionnaires - Strength

Reliability - repeat the questionnaire

Answer 8

A researcher can repeat their questionnaire for all the participants to compare their responses to test for reliability as the participants will answer the same questions such as ‘do you agree with the move? Yes/No’.

Question 9

Repeated Measures Design - Strength

Validity

Answer 9

The same participants are used in both conditions which makes the results more valid as there are no differences between participants so the researcher can be sure it was not differences in the participants’ ability that may have affected the results.

Question 10

Stratified Sample - Strength

Answer 10

To research any human behaviour, a stratified sample of participants, such as
men and women or young and old, can be used to find out the attitudes of particular individuals towards other groups to be sure it is representative of the group being studied.

Question 11

Random Sample - Strength

Answer 11

The use of random sampling can reduce bias from psychological research as it prevents the experimenter from selecting certain groups that could sway their results.

Question 12

Case Studies - Strength

Reliability - Triangulation

Answer 12

Case studies of brain-damaged patients can use a variety of methods within them to test different components of memory.
This triangulation increases the reliability of the data gathered about memory functions.