Research Methods - experimental method + designs

Question 1

Define the term ‘aim’

Answer 1

A general statement that describes the purpose of an investigation.

Question 2

What is meant by the term ‘hypothesis’.

What are the two types?

Answer 2

A testable statement which predicts the outcome at the start of the study.

Directional hypothesis, non directional hypothesis

Question 3

What is a directional hypothesis?

AKA…

When is it used?

Answer 3

DIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESIS:

• the researcher makes clear anticipation of experimental outcomes.
• aka one tailed hypothesis
• used when there are sufficient studies and research showing a particular outcome.

Question 4

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

AKA…

When is it used?

Answer 4

NONDIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESIS:

• simply states that there is a difference between conditions, but the nature of the difference is not specified.
• aka two-tailed hypothesis
• used when there is limited research findings, or there has been mixed findings on the area of research.

Question 5

Why is operationalisation important?

Answer 5

important to establish a clear cause and effect between variables.

Important to minimise the potential extraneous variables that might affect the results.

Ensues a standardised procedure can be maintained, and the study can be easily replicated in the future.

Question 6

What is a lab experiment?

Answer 6

The experiment is conducted in a room or lab setting in which the variables are well controlled by the researcher.

Question 7

Outline the strengths of lab experiments.

Answer 7

• High internal validity
• CVs and EVs strictly controlled by researcher, so it ensures that changes to the DV and because of the IV.
• Therefore we are more certain about cause-and-effect.
• Standardised procedure produced.
• Because variables are well controlled.
• So no new EVs introduced when repeating the experiment.

Question 8

Outline the weaknesses of lab experiments.

Answer 8

• May lack generalisability.
• Lab environment is artificial and not like everyday life, so ppts may not behave as they usually would.
• Findings difficult to generalise outside the research setting - low external validity.
• Ppts usually know they are being studied.
• May act unnaturally and exhibit demand characteristics.
• Decrease internal validity of study.
• tasks do not usually reflect real life situations.
• E.g. Asch’s line judgement task.
• Low mundane realism.