Research methods - Ms G side Flashcards
Correlation
A research method which indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between 2 or more co-variables.
Strengths and limitations of correlations
Strengths: -provides a precise measure of how the 2 variables are related which allows us to see certain patterns. -Quick and easy to carry out as secondary data can be used.
Limitations: - lack of control and manipulation of these variables = cant tell us why they are related.
- can be misused/misinterpreted which makes it less accurate.
Aim
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate providing the purpose of the study.
Hypothesis
A precise, testable statement stating the clear relationship between the variables.
Pilot Study
A small-scale trial run of the actual investigation before actually attempting it.
Ethics
When a conflict or dilemma exists between the participants’ rights and the researchers goal.
What are the 4 major principles of the BPS code of ethics?
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Competence
- Integrity
What are the 6 main ethical issues?
- Protection from physical and psychological harm
- Deception
- Informed consent
- Privacy
- Confidentiality
- Right to withdraw
Peer review
Assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field, to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high quality.
What are the main aims of peer review?
- To allocate research funding
- To validate the quality and relevance of the research
- To suggest amendments or improvements
Evaluation of peer review
- Anonymity
- Publication bias
- Burying ground-breaking research
What are the measures that are part of descriptive statistics?
- Measures of central tendency ( mean, mode, median)
- Measures of dispersion ( range and standard deviation)
Advantages and disadvantages of range
Adv= Easy to calculate Dis= Doesn't include all numbers
Standard deviation
The measure of the average spread of the scores around the mean.
What is a distribution?
A graph that is plotted to represent the average and spread of particular characteristics about the population.
Normal distribution
- shaped like a bell
- symmetrical
- mean, median and mode are all the same
- width of curve is defined by standard deviation
Positive skew
- data clustered in one area
- majority of scores are at lower end of data set
- skewed to the right
Negative skew
- Data clustered in a different area
- Majority of scores are at the higher end of the data set
- Skewed to the left
What are levels of measurement?
The difference in the amount of information provided by the quantitative data.
( Nominal, ordinal, interval)
Nominal
- most basic level of measurement.
- uses categories and tallies.
- M.O.C.T = mode
- M.O.D = N/A
Ordinal
- data is rated and ranked on a scale
- M.O.C.T = median
- M.O.D = range
Interval
- data that is measured on a scale with precise and equal intervals between units
- M.O.C.T = Mean
- M.O.D = Standard deviation
What is the purpose of statistical testing?
- To validate the research and significance.
- To check if anything was a coincidence or a fluke.
Under which conditions would the sign test be used?
- Am I testing for a relationship or a difference?
- Which experimental design have I used?
- What levels of measurement have I used?
What is a significance level?
The point at which the researcher can claim to have discovered a significant difference or correlation within the data.
