research methods lessons 1-5 Flashcards
what is the independant variable
the variable the researcher manipulates also known as the experimental condition.
what is control condition
experiment where the IV is not manipulated
what is the dependant variable
the variable that is measured
what is an extraneous variable
variables other than the IV that could affect the DV
what is the confounding variable
a variable other than the IV that HAS affected the DV
what is operationalisation
for an experiment to be successful the DV and IV has to be operationalised. it is defining and stating how to measure it
what is a laboratory experiment
an experiment that is carried out in a controlled environment where the experimenter has high control of the IV. Participants are randomly allocated to a condition.
evaluation of lab experiment
strengths: high control of IV and extraneous variables so they do not become confounding ones. researcher can establish cause and effect between IV and DV. easily repeatable.
weaknesses: demand characteristics may occur and data can be invalid: social desirability bias. can lack mundane realism when too controlled and low ecological validity.
what is a field experiment
experiment carried out in real world or in natural setting but the IV is still manipulated.
evaluation of field experiment
strengths: more mundane realism and ecological validity. bc the experimenter can manipulate the IV cause and effect can be established.
weaknesses: less control on extraneous variables which may make results invalid. less control over sample which may not represent population. hard to replicate
what is a natural experiment
experiment than takes advantage of naturally occurring IV. measures variables that aren’t directly manipulated by experimenter.
evaluation of natural experiment
strengths: high mundane realism and ecological validity. useful when having to manipulate IV is unethical.
weaknesses: low control over extraneous variables and difficult to replicate so it is unreliable.
what is quasi experiment
experiment that contains naturally occurring IV but it is a difference between people that already exists. usually takes place in laboratory setting.
evaluation of quasi experiment
strengths: high level of control and extraneous variables are minimised. replication is likely so more reliable.
weaknesses: lack of ecological validity and demand characteristics may occur which may make results invalid.
what are two designs of observations
can be done by recording data or sampling behaviour
what is non-participant observation
when the researcher does not get direct,y involved with the interactions of pps and do not take part in the activities
evaluation of non participant observation
strengths: less chance of pps showing demand characteristics and researcher can make quality notes
weaknesses: researcher won’t be able to control variables very well so it may lack validity.
what is participant observation
when the researcher is directly involved in interactions and activities with participants
evaluation of participant observation
strengths: gives researcher better understanding and can control variables more tightly
weaknesses: may show experimenter bias and won’t be able to make quality notes. demand characteristics
what is covert observation
when the psychologist observes pps undercover
evaluation of covert observation
strengths: less chance of pps showing demand characteristics
weaknesses: no inform consent which is unethical
what is overt observation
when the psychologist reveals their identity and states they are observing the group
evaluation of overt observation
strengths: it is ethical as there is no deception and is clear cut
weaknesses: pps may show demand characteristics and there is observer effect which makes results invalid
what is naturalistic observation
the researchers observes pps in their natural environment with no deliberate manipulation
