Research Methods Key terms

Question 1

Aims

Answer 1

Developed from theories and describe the general purpose of the experiment
-starts with ‘to investigate’

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A testable, specific statement which predicts the outcome at the beginning of the study
-Alternative or Null

Question 3

Null Hypothesis

Answer 3

States that there will be no difference or relationship, or that any that is recorded will be due to chance

Question 4

Alternative Hypothesis

Answer 4

States that there will be a difference or relationship

-Directional or Non-Directional

Question 5

Directional Hypothesis

Answer 5

States that there will be a difference or relationship and what it will be

Question 6

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Answer 6

States that there will be a difference or relationship, but not what that will be

Question 7

Variables

Answer 7

Anything which changes in the experiment

Question 8

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 8

The thing manipulated by the experimenter in the experiment

Question 9

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 9

The thing measured by the experimenter

Question 10

Co-Variables

Answer 10

Both are measured for correlation

Question 11

Operationalisation

Answer 11

Making the description of the Variables more detailed and specific to the experiment taking place

Question 12

Extraneous variables

Answer 12

Any variable not being controlled (not the IV) which could effect the DV

Question 13

Confounding Variables

Answer 13

Any Variable not being controlled with varies systematically with the IV so it cannot be determined what is causing the variation in the DV

Question 14

Demand Characteristics

Answer 14

The participant believes the have discovered the aims of the experiment and alters their behaviour as a result

Question 15

Randomisation

Answer 15

Everything possible apart from IV and DV is randomised

Question 16

Standardisation

Answer 16

Everything is regulated as far as possible

Question 17

Investigator effects

Answer 17

The biases or actions of the investigator cause them to change the results of the investigation

Question 18

Independent Groups

Answer 18

Each group fulfils one condition of the experiment

Question 19

Repeated Measures

Answer 19

Everyone fulfils both conditions of the experiment

Question 20

Matched Pairs

Answer 20

The participants are matched based on factors that could effect the DV and one of each pair fulfils each condition

Question 21

Random Allocation

Answer 21

Participants are randomly allocated a condition

Question 22

Counterbalancing

Answer 22

Each group does the two conditions in a different order to discount order effects