Research Methods in Psychology

Question 1

What are the three Quantitative Research methods

Answer 1

-Experiment
-Quasi-experiment
-Correlational studies

Question 2

What are the four Qualitative Research methods

Answer 2

-Observation
-Interview
-Focus group
-Case study

Question 3

Sampling methods for Quantitative research

Answer 3

-Random
-Stratified (proportion of subgroups matches population)
-Self-selected
-Opportunity

Question 4

Sampling methods for Qualitative research

Answer 4

-Quota (no. and characteristics decided before sampling)
-Purposive (Characteristics predefined)
-Theoretical (Until data saturation)
-Snowball
-Convenience

Question 5

Generalizability in Quantitative research

Answer 5

Experimental studies
-Ecological Validity
-Population Validity
-Construct Validity

Correlation studies
-Population Validity
-Construct Validity

Question 6

Generalizability in Qualitative research

Answer 6

-Sample-to-population generalization
-Case-to-case generalization
-Theoretical generalization

Question 7

Credibility in Quantitative research

Answer 7

Experimental studies
-Internal validity (controlling variables)

Correlational studies
-Credibility (Method of obtaining data)

Question 8

Credibility in Qualitative research

Answer 8

Credibility/Trustworthiness
-Triangulation
-Establishing a rapport
-Iterative questioning
-Reflexivity
-Credibility checks
-Thick descriptions

Question 9

Bias in Experimental studies / threats to internal validity

Answer 9

-Selection
-History
-Maturation
-Testing effect
-Instrumentation
-Regression to the mean
-Experimental mortality
-Experimenter bias
-Demand characteristics

Question 10

Bias in correlational studies

Answer 10

-Curvilinear relationships
-Third variable problem
-Spurious correlation

Question 11

Bias in Qualitative research

Answer 11

Researcher bias
-confirmation bias
-leading question bias
-question order bias
-sampling bias
-biased reporting

Participant bias
-social desirability bias
-acquiescence bias
-dominant respondent
-sensitivity

Question 12

Experimental designs

Answer 12

-Independent measures (one group one condition)
-Matched pairs design
-Repeated measures (one group many conditions)

Question 13

What are the five types of Experiments?

Answer 13

-True (Random allocation of participants to conditions)
-Quasi experiment (groups set by difference in characteristics no cause and effect [more so correlation])
-Laboratory experiment (Artificial)
-Field experiment (real life setting, lots of cofounding variables)
-Natural experiments (In participants natural environment, IV manipulated by nature)

Question 14

Effect size values and definition

Answer 14

The absolute value of the correlation co efficient (0-1)
-Less than 0.10 is negligible
-0.10 - 0.29 is small
-0.30 - 0.49 is medium
-0.50 and greater is large

Question 15

Probability due to random chance values

Answer 15

More than 5% Result is not significant
Less than 5% Result is significant
Less than 1% Result is very significant
-Less than 0.1% Result is highly significant

Question 16

4 Triangulations

Answer 16

-method triangulation
-data triangulation
-research triangulation
-theory triangulation

Question 17

How to overcome order effect?

Answer 17

Counterbalancing

Question 18

Question 1 on Paper 3 HL

Answer 18

-Identify the method used and outline two characteristics of the method
-Describe the sampling method used in the study
-Suggest an alternative or additional research method giving one reason for your choice

Question 19

Question 2 on Paper 3

Answer 19

Describe the ethical considerations that were applied in the study and explain if further ethical considerations could be applied

or

Describe the ethical considerations in reporting the results and explain additional ethical considerations that could be taken into account when applying the findings of the study

Question 20

Question 3 on Paper 3 HL

Answer 20

-Discuss the possibility of generalizing/transferring the findings of the study
-Discuss how the researcher may ensure the results of a study are credible
-Discuss how the research in this could avoid bias

Question 21

What is a Quasi-Experiment?

Answer 21

Quasi-experiment is an experiment where participants cannot be randomly assigned to the independent variable

Question 22

What are the types of observation?

Answer 22

-Naturalistic or Laboratory
-Participant or Non-Participant
-Overt or Covert

Question 23

What are the types of Interviews?

Answer 23

-Structured
-Unstructured
-Semi-structured

Question 24

What is a Focus Group?

Answer 24

-A group of 6-10 people
-The researcher plays the role of a facilitator
-Participants are encouraged to interact with each other.
-Holistic data is collected

Question 25

Strengths and Limitations of Surveys

Answer 25

-Large amounts of data can be collected quickly
-Patterns of behavior can be observed

-No cause and effect
-Data is not in depth

Question 26

What is transferability?

Answer 26

The extent to which research can be transferred to another setting or group in qualitative research

Question 27

Double Blind
Peer review

Answer 27

Exp