Research Methods Glossary Flashcards
Independent Variable
The variable the psychologist manipulates.
Dependent Variable
The variable which is measured by the psychologist.
Extraneous Variable
Variables in a study that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher but affect the results (DV) of ALL participants’ behaviour equally.
Confounding Variable
Variables in a study that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher, that affect SOME participants’ behaviours but not others, having negative consequences for validity.
Operationalisation
Giving a precise definition of the behaviour being manipulated/observed/measured (IV/DV)
Aim
A broad statement of the purpose of the research.
Experimental/Alternate Hypothesis
A testable statement that a piece of research attempts to support or reject.
Null Hypothesis
A hypothesis that suggests there will be no difference/relationship between variables, any that does occur does so by chance
Directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis that suggests there will be a difference/relationship between variables, where the IV will affect the DV in one specific direction/outcome
Non-directional Hypothesis
A hypothesis that suggests there will be a difference/relationship between variables, the IV will affect the DV, but does not state a specific direction/outcome for results
Location: Laboratory
A location of research where scientific research and measurement can be taken using specialist/large equipment. Conditions and variables are controlled, and procedures are standardised.
Location: Field
A location of research outside of the laboratory, in a natural setting e.g. school, hospital, workplace etc. It has lower levels of control over confounding variables than the laboratory, but can still utilise a standardised procedure.
Location: Online
A location of research where participants are accessed via the internet/social networks/mobile apps etc. Often involves questionnaires but can also be experimental, correlational etc.
Lab experiment
A research method where cause and effect is measured in a controlled/contrived environment, through the control and manipulation of key variables, and where the participants are randomly allocated to experimental/control groups.
Field Experiment
A research method where cause and effect is measured in a natural setting, through the control and manipulation of key variables, and where the participants are randomly allocated to experimental/control groups.
Quasi Experiment
A research where the experimenter has NOT deliberately manipulated the IV and participants are NOT randomly allocated. Methods within this category include natural experiments and difference studies.
Natural Experiment
A research method where the IV arises naturally, although the DV can still be measured in a laboratory or any other location of the researcher’s choice. This method would be used when it is unethical to directly manipulate the IV.
Target Population
The group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying
Sampling Frame
A group/population that is identified when it is unrealistic to study the whole target population
Random Sampling
A sampling technique where participants are selected from the sampling frame, where everyone has an equal chance of being selected. E.g. Names are pulled out of a hat, or a computer is used to randomly select participants.
Opportunity Sampling
A sampling technique where participants are selected at the researcher’s convenience without knowing any details about the sample in advance e.g. picking people who were there at the time, in your specific location.
Systematic Sampling
A sampling technique where every nth person on a list is selected by the researcher e.g. every 3rd house on a street, or 5th person on a register.
Stratified Sampling
A sampling technique where the target group is divided into subgroups, e.g. by sex, and then the participants are selected randomly from each subgroup.
Quota Sampling
A sampling technique where the target population is divided into subgroups, e.g. by sex, and the participants are chosen from each subgroup at the convenience of the researcher.