Research Methods : Methodologies

Question 1

Independent variable

Answer 1

The variable the researcher manipulates in order to determine its effect on the dependent variable.
To provide a standard to compare experimental conditions with, there may be a control condition where the IV is not manipulated at all.

Question 2

The dependent variable

Answer 2

This is the variable that is being measured. The IV and DV should be operationalised.
Operationalisation is defining the variables in such a way as to make them measurable.

Question 3

Extraneous variables

Answer 3

These are any variables other than the IV that could affect the DV

Question 4

Confounding Variables

Answer 4

These are any variables other than the IV that have affected the DV

Question 5

Lab experiments

Answer 5

Carried out in a controlled environment, allowing researcher to exert a high level of control over IV and eliminate any EV.
Pps are randomly allocated to a condition. This means neither experimenter nor participant decides which condition the pps is placed in.
An unpredictable method (such as flipping coin/drawing names) is used to decide.

Question 6

Advantages of Lab Experiments

Answer 6

-High level of control means it is easy to control for any EV and stop them becoming CV
- Can establish cause and effect relationship between IV and DV as researcher can manipulate IV
- Well controlled lab experiment can be easily replicated by other researchers to see if similar results can be obtained. If findings are similar in replicated, results are not due to chance or CV

Question 7

Disadvantages of lab studies

Answer 7

• Strong chance of demand characteristics
• By establishing high level of control over IV and EV, experimental situation can lack mundane realism. This means study lacks ecological validity.

Question 8

Mundane realism

Answer 8

The extent to which an experiment reflects real life

Question 9

Ecological validity

Answer 9

Ability to generalise findings of research to the real world

Question 10

Field experiments

Answer 10

Carried out in the real world. IV is manipulated by researcher to see effect on DV.

Question 11

Advantages of field experiments

Answer 11

• More mundane realism and ecological validity than in a laboratory
• Because researcher can manipulate IV, cause and effect relationship can be established between IV and DV
• Less chance of demand characteristics because in a field experiment pps may not even be aware they are taking part in research

Question 12

Disadvantages of field experiments