Research Methods Key Terms Flashcards
Experimental Method
Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments may be laboratory, field, natural or quasi.
Aim
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study
Hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study
Directional Hypothesis
States the direction of the difference or relationship
Non-directional Hypothesis
Does not state the direction
Variables
Any ‘thing’ that can vary or change within an investigation. Variables are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing result in changes to another
Independent Variable (IV)
Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher - or changes naturally - so the effect on the DV can be measured.
Dependent Variable(DV)
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.
Operationalisation
Clearly defining variavles in terms of how they can be measured
Extraneous Variable (EV)
Any variable, other than the independent variable (IV), that may have an effect on the dependent variable (DV) if it is not controlled. EVs are essentially nuisance variables that do not vary systematically with the IV
Confounding Variables
Any variable, other than the IV, that may have affected the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of changes to the DV. Confounding variavles vary systematically with the IV.
Demand Characteristics
Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation. This may lead a participant changing their behaviour within the research situation
Investigator Effects
Any effect of the investigator’s 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.
Randomisation
The use of chance in order to control for the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.
Standardisation
Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.
Experimental Design
The different ways in which the testing of
Independent Groups Design
P
Repeated Measures
A
Matched Pairs Design
P
Random Allocation
A
