Research Methods Paper 2 Flashcards
What is the acronym used to remember the scientific principles of Pyschology?
THE PROF
What does each letter stand for in THE PROF?
Theory construction, hypothesis testing, empiricism, paradigms, replicability, objectivity, falsifiability.
What are the two types of reasoning in theory construction?
Inductive and deductive
What is inductive reasoning?
Making a specific observation, recognizing a pattern and drawing a conclusion/theory based on the specific research done.
What is deductive reasoning?
Starting with an existing theory, create a hypothesis or theory based off that, research, experiment and collect data to confirm/deny that theory.
What is empiricism?
Factual knowledge can only come from our own personal experiences. Rigorous scientific and empirical testing must be done to prove a theory.
What is the process of hypothesis testing?
1)State the hypothesis
2)Conduct experiment
3)Choose test statistics
4)Make a decision and analyze statistics
5)Draw conclusion about population
What is an aim?
A general statement of the purpose of the study/a general statement about what the researcher intends to study
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction of what the researchers will find in the research.
What is the null hypothesis?
A prediction with no significant effect or relationship between the variables.
What is a directional hypothesis?
It is one-tailed so previous research has been done before so it can be specific on the relationship between variables.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
It is two-tailed so no previous or consistent research has been done before so the relationship between variables is more general.
What is an independent variable?
The variable being changed. (the cause)
What is a dependent variable?
The variable being measured. (the effect)
What does operationalise mean?
To clearly define the variables’ abstract terms in measurable observations.
What are covariables?
The two dependent variables in a correlation being measured.
How do you operationalize a DV?
Be specific in how to measure the variable.
How do you operationalize an IV?
State the levels/conditions.
What is a paradigms?
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a shared discipline.
What is a paradigm shift?
A significant change in the dominant theory within a subject discipline due to a scientific evolution.
What is an example of a paradigm shift?
In the 1950s, a more scientific approach was brought to psychology.
What does replicability mean?
The extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers?
What makes a research replicable?
A simple standardized method, teaching your methods and a controlled environment like a lab.
Why is replicability important in pyschology?
It makes results more accurate and reliable, a more generalizable test means researchers can find out more about the specific study.
What is objectivity?
All sources of personal bias are minimized to not influence the research process. It is not open to interpretation but is instead scientific.
How is research kept objective?
-Don’t be close to the research as a psychologist and analyze the findings given.
-Use a scientific method.
What is falsifiability?
The ability to be able to have a way to prove the hypothesis to be false as well as true, in order for it to be considered scientific.
What are the four types of data?
Quantitative, qualitative, primary and secondary?
What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?
Quantitative is data in numbers or a numerical form whereas qualitative data is in words or a non-numerical form.
What is primary data?
First-hand data that is created specific to the researcher own personal research question.
What is secondary data?
Data that already exists found through another researcher with their personal research.
What is a strength of quantitative data?
It can be statistically analyzed and scientifically correct so is more objective.
What is a strength of qualitative data?
It provides a more in depth understanding and explores behaviors and perspectives, not just numbers so allows for more detailed insights.
What is a weakness of quantitative data?
It can lack depth and subjectivity.
What is a weakness of qualitative data?
There may be potential bias. Analysis can be time consuming. It is typically small data values which makes it less representative.
What is a strength of primary data?
More reliable and trustworthy as it is done yourself. It can be as depth as you want it to be.
What is a weakness of primary data?
It consumes time, can be high cost and may contain potential bias.
What is a strength of secondary data?
It is less time-consuming than primary data collection and is less cost.
What is a weakness of secondary data?
It can’t be as in depth as you wish it was and it may lack validity/quality. It may not relate to your research directly so may not be representative.
What is meta analysis?
Research that only contains secondary data which you can create your own hypothesis off relating to your specific study.
What is a strength and weakness of meta analysis?
It has a high number of participants so is more generalizable and it has a varied sample so is more representative.
However, it is prone to file drawer problems which is biased data. It may be inaccurate or invalid.
What is ethics?
A group of moral principles that control someones behaviour.
What is the BPS code of ethics?
A guide for pyschologists to follow ethical principles within research.
What are some ethical considerations?
Informed consent, right to withdraw, deception, debrief, protection from harm, confidentiality.
What is informed consent?
It involves having participants sign documents that describe what their involvement in a study would entail, and that they are free to decline participation or withdraw at any time. It ensures that participants understand the purpose, procedures, benefits, and risks of the study, allowing them to make an informed decision.
What is the right to withdraw?
Making sure the participants know they can leave the experiment at any time. This can be through a document.
What is confidentiality and how can we keep it?
Keeping all personal details confidential and not spreading them. It can be kept by not collecting personal details in the first place.
What is deception?
Specifically withholding informing from the participant about the conditions or levels of the experiment to mislead them about it.
What is protection of participants?
Making sure no physical harm or psychological harm is caused on participants.
What is debriefing?
Debriefing in psychology is a structured conversation that occurs after a research study or therapy session. It aims to discuss the experience, address any concerns, and ensure the well-being of participants. It is a critical part of ethical research, especially when deception is involved.
How do you write a consent form?
Tell them what will occur in the study, how long it is, confidentiality, right to withdraw, respect and that there is no pressure and a signature.
How do you write a debrief?
Thank them for participating, tell them the aim of the study, any deception, the right to withdraw their data, what the data will be used for, a directory to any websites they may need, and that any questions are to be listened to.
What does ‘population’ mean?
Total number of individuals in a specific area or defined group that are used to draw a sample from.
What is random sampling?
Each person has an equal chance of being picked in the sampling and chance picks them.
What is a strength of random sampling?
It is objective due to lack of researcher involvement and it is representative due to the laws of chance.
What is a weakness of random sampling?
It is time consuming to collect a list of all of the names of the target population.
What is a strength of systematic sampling?
The initial list is randomized which reduces bias.
What is systematic sampling?
A pre-determined system selects the participants from a target group. (every 10th out of 100)
What is a weakness of systematic sampling?
It is time consuming, participants may refuse and each person does not have an equal chance so some unrepresentativeness is possible if initial list is not randomized.
What is stratified sampling?
People are grouped into sub groups based off certain characteristics to divide them up. Then, randomly select among each sub-group.
What is a strength of stratified sampling?
It is most likely to lead to a representative sample as it reflects the population.
What is a weakness of stratified sampling?
It is time consuming and strata can’t reflect all ways participants are different.
What is opportunity sampling?
Participants are chosen based on their availability and proximity to the researcher and people are asked to participants.
What is a strength of opportunity sampling?
It is a quick and convenient method so it reduces time and cost.
What is a weakness of opportunity sampling?
It is unrepresentative as it is subject to potential bias as researchers are in control of selection.
What is volunteer sampling?
People volunteer to take part in the study which may be done through advertising or word of mouth.
What is a strength of volunteer sampling?
Convenient as minimal input is needed from researcher and less attrition/people dropping out as they have interest in it themselves.
What is a weakness of volunteer sampling?
Not enough people may volunteer or there may be volunteer bias as there is a certain profile of character- they may be subject to demand characteristics.
What is a pilot study and what is the purpose of it?
A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study and it’s purpose is to evaluate the duration, cost, feasibility and any issues before the study.
What are extraneous variables?
A variable that is not being investigated but can affect the outcome of the study (such as time or stress).
What is a confounding variable?
It affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variable but is not included in the experiment.
What are participant variables?
Individual characteristics of participants that may affect the outcome/results. (mood,anxiety,age,intelligence)
What is participant reactivity?
Participants alter their performance or behavior due to the fact they are being observed.
What are demand characteristics?
Participants form an interpretation of the experiments purpose and subconsciously change their behavior to fit it.
What is social desirability bias?
Participants give untrue answers to appear good to others.
What is situational variables?
Factors relating to the external environment that can influence a situations behavior. (weather or temperature)
What are researcher variables?
The researcher unintentionally influences the outcome of the study. (bias, forming ideas about the hypothesis)
How can you control participant variables?
Experimental designs and random allocation
What are some experimental designs?
Repeated measures design: Controls all participants experiencing all conditions and are then compared with themselves.
Matched pairs design: Matching participants from Condition 1 and Condition 2 to even out participant variables so they cancel out effect on dependent variable.
What is random allocation?
Assigning participants to different conditions randomly to ensure each person has an equal chance of being placed in each group. It increases validity and evenly distributes participant characteristics.
What are some ways of controlling demand characteristics?
Single-blind procedure
Double-blind procedure
Deception
Unobtrusive methods
Placebos
What is a single-blind procedure?
Participants aren’t informed of aims and hypothesis of the study. Researchers can increase likelihood of participants NOT changing views/answers to match behavior with perceived expectations.
What is a double-blind procedure?
Both participants and researchers are unaware of the specific conditions and aims of the study. This reduces demand characteristics and investigator effects.
What are unobtrusive methods?
Collecting data in a way which doesn’t interact with participants or make them aware they are being studied. (CCTV, covert observation, records)
What are placebos?
Participants aren’t aware if they are receiving active treatment or a placebo.
What is the way to control social desirability bias and how?
Confidentiality and anonymity- this reduces pressure to conform to social norms and encourages honest answers.
List the ways to control investigator effects.
Counterbalancing, randomization, standardization and double-blind procedure.
What is counterbalancing?
Controlling the order effects (practice, fatigue) by systematically ordering the conditions. (ABBA)- the order effects can be evenly spread out/cancelled out.
What is randomization?
Using random methods to select elements in the experiment (questions)- to minimize all external factors which are equally likely to affect the experiment. It reduces systematic bias and increases validity.
What is standardization?
Maintaining uniform procedures for all participants- all participants are treated the same.
What is reliability?
The consistency of the results of a psychological research study.
What are the 2 types of reliability?
Internal and external
What is internal reliability?
The extent to which items within research consistently measure the same construct.
What is external reliability?
The consistency of a measure from one use to another.
What are the tests of reliability?
Split-half, test retest and inter-observer
What is split-half reliability?
Splitting the test results into half and comparing them with each other to see if they are similar.
What is test retest reliability?
Administering the same test with the same participants after a certain period of time to see if results are consistent or have changed. A high correlation (0.8<) means it has high reliability.
What is inter-observer reliability?
Another researcher takes out the exact same test as you with a different group of people and the results are compared to see if there is a correlation/similarity. A high correlation (0.8<) means it has high reliability.
What reliability test is used for external?
Test retest
What reliability tests are used for internal?
Split-half and inter-observer
How can researchers improve reliability and why?
Pilot studies ( addresses errors early on),
replicability (it comes hand in hand with proving reliability), training other researchers (reduces subject bias)and standardization (keeping things uniform reduces bias).
What is validity?
Whether a measure is measuring what it intends to measure what it claims to be measuring.
What is internal validity?
Internal validity is a measure of whether results obtained are solely affected by changes in the variable being manipulated.
What are the kinds of internal validity?
Face, construct and concurrent
What is face validity?
Whether on the shallowest level, if the test looks like it covers the concept it intends to cover.
What is construct validity?
The degree to which a test/instrument used within an experiment is capable of measuring a concept.
What is concurrent validity?
The extent to which an instrument/test used in an experiment is similar to a pre-existing well-validated test/instrument used to discover the same findings.
What is external validity?
The extent to which results can be applied to outward settings.
What are the types of external validity?
Ecological, temporal and population
What is ecological validity?
The extent to which research findings are generalizable to real-world settings.
What is temporal validity?
Whether a study’s results are generalizable over time.
What is population validity?
The degree to which study results from a sample can be generalized to the population, based on how representative it is of the population.
How can researchers improve construct validity?
Pilot testing, standardization, eliminating confounding variables, operationalize variables and random allocation.
How can researchers improve concurrent validity?
Use multiple measures to compare with established measures.
How can researchers improve ecological validity?
Use a naturalistic setting in a real world context, high mundane realism (realistic tasks) and unobtrusive methods.
How can researchers improve population validity?
Use larger sample sizes and a stratified sampling technique so it is representative.
How can researchers improve temporal validity?
Do long-term studies and use historical comparisons.
What are the types of experiment linked to setting?
Lab- an experiment in a controlled environment
Field- a study conducted outside of a lab setting, in a real life environment
What are the types of experiments linked to manipulation of the IV?
Natural- observational studies with little/no control over conditions
Quasi- independent variable can’t be changed- the participants have pre-existing aspects to them, like age, gender, personality types
What are strengths and weaknesses of a lab experiment?
Strengths- variables can be controlled, standardization leads to high internal validity, easier to replicate
Weaknesses- lacks ecological validity, demand characteristics are more easy to acquire as it is more obvious to see cues/aims
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a field experiment?
Strengths- high ecological validity, less demand characteristics
Weaknesses- less control over extraneous variables, reduced internal validity, harder to replicate
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a natural experiment?
Strengths- high ecological validity, less researcher variables
Weaknesses- lack of control over extraneous variables, not accessible
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a quasi experiment?
Strengths- high external validity as it is real life
Weaknesses- less internal validity as factors are out of control of the researcher
What are the experiment designs of participants?
Repeated measures- Same participants take part in each condition
Independent measures- Different participants take part in each condition
Matched pairs- Pairs of participants are matched and put into each condition
What are strengths and weaknesses of repeated measures?
Strengths- participant variables can be controlled which increases validity
Weaknesses- order effects like practice or boredom could be common, time-consuming
What are strengths and weaknesses of independent measures?
Strengths- less order effects and demand
characteristics likeliness
Weaknesses- potential error, more participant variables not balanced, a larger sample is needed
What are the strengths and weaknesses of matched pairs?
Strengths- order effects are balanced which reduces demand characteristics
Weaknesses- time consuming, matches can never be perfect
What are histograms?
The bars touch the axis and eachother. The x-axis is the intervals and the y-axis is the frequency within each interval. It is continuous data.
What is a naturalistic and controlled observation?
Naturalistic- the researcher observes participants in their natural environment
Controlled- the researcher observed behavior in a structured environment
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
Strengths- increases ecological validity and less demand characteristics
Weaknesses- lack of control over variables which results in lower internal validity, replication is difficult which also lowers reliability
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a controlled observation?
Strengths- more replicable and more control over extraneous variables
Weaknesses- decreased ecological validity, more demand characteristics
What is covert and overt observation?
Covert (closed)- participants are unaware they are being observed
Overt (open)- participants are aware they are being observed
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a covert observation?
Strengths- reduces demand characteristics which leads to higher validity
Weaknesses- more ethical issues involved like invasion of privacy, can only be done in public to be ethical
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a overt observation?
Strengths- reduced ethical issues as informal consent is gained
Weaknesses- more demand characteristics which leads to less validity
What is participant observation and non-participant observation?
Participant- the researcher becomes part of the group being studied
Non-participant- the researcher observes the group from a distance without involvement
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a participant observation?
Strengths- less aware of researcher presence so less demand characteristics, insider insight which increases validity
Weaknesses- reduced objectivity as there many be observer bias, difficult to record data in a non-obtrusive way
What are the strengths and weaknesses of non-participant observation?
Strengths- more objective and easier to record data
Weaknesses- could misinterpret behavior as an outsider which decreases validity if wrong
What is a structured and unstructured observation?
Structured- the researcher uses a pre-defined list of behaviors and ticks them off
Unstructured- the researcher doesn’t use a pre-defined list of behaviors and writes down anything of relevance
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a structured observation?
Strengths- collecting data is easier and more systematic, most likely to be quantitive data which is easier to analyse, inter-observer reliability is easier to establish
Weaknesses- some behaviours may be unimportant and the data may lack detail
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an unstructured observation?
Strengths- provides more detailed and in depth data
Weaknesses- provides qualatative data which is more difficult to analyze, greater risk of subjectivity and observer bias
What are behavioural categories?
Specific, clearly defined behaviours that are observed and recorded, organised in a systematic way
What are the kinds of sampling in observational design?
Event- recording every instance a particular behaviour is done
Time- recording behaviours at specific time intervals
What are the strengths and weaknesses of event sampling?
Strengths- more of a wide-range sample of data
Weaknesses- very complex so researcher may overlook important details not listed, importance of details may be subjective, may be hard to keep up with/manage
What are the strengths and weaknesses of time sampling?
Strengths- reduces the number of observations which is easier to manage
Weaknesses- not a representative sample of data as behaviour may be missed
What are bar charts?
Data is divided into categories. The frequencies are on the y-axis and the categories are on the x-axis. It needs a title and the bars don’t touch each other. Each bar represents a discrete value.
What is a self-report questionnaire?
A research instrument consisting of written questions used to gather information from participants
What is a closed and open question?
Closed- participants’ answers are from a set of pre-defined answers
Open- participants put their answers into their own words
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an open question?
Strengths- rich in detail, can gain a fuller understanding which leads to a higher validity, free-reign of speech
Weaknesses- difficult to analyze as it is qualitative data, researcher bias as the answers are open to interpretation, unable to be statistically analysed
What are the types of closed questions?
Force/fixed choice- there is a limited range of answers to choose from
Likert scale- using a scale of numbers to indicate levels of liking/disliking to a statement
Semantic differential- a concept is rated between two contrasting adjectives
Rating scale- participants assign a value to a question
What are the strengths and weaknesses of force/fixed question?
Strengths-easier to analyse, more objective analysis, easily comparable
Weaknesses- narrow range of answers, lacks quality or depth so loses validity, answers may not reflect the true feelings of participants
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the likert scale?
Strengths-more detail than FF, more insight into behaviour and can be objective/easily compared
Weaknesses- lacks detail and reasoning, central tendency bias
What are the strengths and weaknesses of semantic differential?
Strengths- allows detail and known extent of attitude, easy to analyse objectively
Weaknesses- participants may interpret the positions on the scale subjectively, central tendency bias
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the rating scale?
Strengths- more insight on agreement, comparisons can be made
Weaknesses- participants may interpret values of 1-10 subjectively, central tendency bias
What are things you SHOULD do when making a questionnaire?
-Brief participants at the start
-State purpose and why data is being used
-State who you are
-Ensure questions are not ambiguous or confusing
-Ensure simple language is used
What are things you should NOT do when making a questionnaire?
-Do not have overlapping or too few choices
-Do not ask for personal details
-Do not include technical or vague terms
What are the stages of questionnaire development?
- Decide what behaviors or attitudes you want investigating
- Decide type of data
- Run pilot study
- Get feedback and modify anything if needed before full-scale study
What are the strengths of questionnares?
It is relatively cheap and quick while still gathering large amounts of data. It is anonymous and confidential so answers will be more honest.
What are the weaknesses of questionnaires?
Social desirability bias may affect responders who want to appear more socially likeable. Respond rates might be low so less generalizable. The results can be flawed if the questions are poorly designed. Questionnaires answered privately without the researcher present may be misunderstood so validity decreases.
What is a self-report?
A method of data collection where individuals provides subjective information about their own personal thoughts and feelings.
What are structured interviews?
Interviews that follow a pre-determined set of questions in a specific order.
What are strengths and weaknesses of structured interviews?
Strengths:
-Ensures consistency and standardization which increases validity.
-Easier to compare
-Useful demographic data with relevant responses
Weaknesses:
-Limited expansion which reduces validity
-Participants may feel uncomfortable so reduces ecological validity as it is an unnatural environment for them
What are semi-structured interviews?
Interviews that have a guided framework of topics or questions but allow flexibility for spontaneous follow up.
What are strengths and weaknesses of semi-structured interviews?
Strengths:
-Ability to ask follow up questions which results in more detailed and in depth data
-Balances consistency and interesting responses explored
Weaknesses:
-Highly trained interviewers needed so it may be more costly
-Only reliable to an extent as it cannot be replicated perfectly
-Subjective interpretations of responses to follow up questions
What are unstructured interviews?
Interviews with no set topic, structure or set questions which allows for a more conversational and open interaction.
What are strengths and weaknesses of unstructured interviews?
Strengths:
-Less likelihood of demand characteristics as the participants are leading the interview
-Lots of qualitative data
-More ecologically valid
Weaknesses:
-More training needed
-Can’t be replicated so can be deemed as unreliable
-Difficult to compare
-Time-consuming as there is no set time limit
What different methods are there for recording participant responses?
Taking notes during the interview, writing up notes after the interview and recording the interview with a tape recorder
What are the strengths and weaknesses of taking notes DURING an interview?
Strengths: Prevents detail being lost
Weaknesses: Lower ecological validity as participants are more aware of being studied
What are strengths and weaknesses of taking notes AFTER the interview?
Strengths: No disruption during the interview so more likelihood for authentic answers
Weaknesses: Detail may be lost through forgetting
What are strengths and weaknesses for using a tape recorder in an interview?
Strengths: Increases validity as no detail is lost, unobtrusive, can be played multiple times
Weaknesses: Cannot record non-verbal details like body language
What are the strengths of interviews in general?
-Allows participants to freely express themselves
-Information can be detailed so it allows the researcher to clarify significance of the information being provided
What are the weaknesses of interviews in general?
-Time-consuming
-Training can be costly
-Greater chance of interpersonal variables like investigator effects impacting responses
-Any self report data can be less valid due to the influence of social desirability bias
What are the strengths of self-reports in general?
-Researchers gather detail of participants thoughts and feelings
What are the weaknesses of self-reports in general?
-Can be subject to social desirability bias and responses may lack validity
Why is social desirability bias an issue in self-reports?
It impacts/decreases the validity as answers may be untruthful which means the data collected is inaccurate and false information may be spread through statistics and data.
What is a correlation?
A statistical technique used to determine the relationship between two or more co-variables.
What are the different types of correlations?
Positive(going up), negative (going down), none (no correlation)
What is a correlation coefficient?
The strength and direction of a correlation quantified using ranges from -1 to +1.
What are the features of a case study?
In depth analysis
Studies unique events/people
Usually a small group or one person
Contextual understanding
Usually longitudinal
Idiographic approach
Mostly qualitative
What are the strengths of case studies?
-Creates opportunity for deeper analysis which increases validity
-Abnormal psychology can give an insight into functions when they are correct, instead of unique
-Detail collected may lead to interesting findings which conflict with current theories, allowing a stimulation of new paths of research
What are the weaknesses of case studies?
-Little control over variables so it is difficult to establish casual relationships between variables
-Unusual which means poor reliability as replication is unlikely
-Poor generalizability due to small sample size
-Researchers may have biased interpretation if involvement becomes too intense and obsessive
What is content analysis?
Quantifying qualitative data by identifying amounts of things like themes or words in a piece of text
What is the process of content analysis?
- A sample of materials is examined by 2 researchers
2.Reading leads to identification of categories
3.Categories are agreed and operationalised
4.Coding-researchers separately read over material and count frequency of each category occurring
5.Frequencies are tallied, compared for inter-rater reliability and checked
What are strengths of content analysis?
-Gathers data from wide range of sources so has high ecological validity
-Can get around many ethical issues like obtaining permission to research as material is usually open to the public like interviews, adverts, TV episodes
-Reliability is easy to establish as it can be replicated using the same coding units
What are the weaknesses of content analysis?
-Difficult to have objective, operationalized coding units which means it is time-consuming
-Illusion of objectivity as researcher may be bias towards the system due to them themself creating the categories
What is thematic analysis?
A qualitative method for reporting themes within data.
What is the process of thematic analysis?
- Familiarize self with data, reading it several times to look for patterns
2.Generate initial codes
3.Search for themes or wider contexts
4.Review themes to make sure they are clearly separated
5.Define and name themes
6.Produce report
What are the differences between content and thematic analysis?
1)Content analysis is quantitative while thematic analysis is qualitative
2)Content analysis has pre-defined categories to code whereas thematic analysis has flexible coding
3)Content analysis is more objective and structured but thematic analysis is a deeper analysis that is nuanced
What are the strengths of thematic analysis?
-Keeps richness of qualitative data
-Can check concurrent validity by applying them to another piece of data which is of a similar nature to see if similarities are easy to see
What are the weaknesses of thematic analysis?
-Lacks objectivity especially when descriptive themes are used
-Prone to subjective interpretation as material is usually studied outside of context, like how text is transcribed from video and the tone of voice may affect the meaning of words said, which isn’t taken into account
-Time consuming
How should a pyschological report be layed out?
Title, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, conclusion, references, appendices
What is an abstract?
A short 100-300 summary at the start of a report to show what the results of the study were, the method, and the aim
How do you reference at the end of a study?
Name, year, title, book title, version, number
What is peer review?
The assessment of scientific work by specialists in the same field to ensure high quality
What is the process of peer review?
-All aspects of written work is scrutanised by 2-3 experts
-Objective review- unknown to the author
What is purpose of peer review?
-Allocate research funding
-Validate the quality and relevance of research
-Suggest amendments or improvements
What are the strengths and weaknesses of peer review?
S- Anonymous so more honest
W- Anonymity may be used to criticise rival researchers who are fighting for research funding, open reviewing means names may be mentioned, publication bias and suppressed opposition to mainstream theory, established scientists may be chosen and be overly critical
What is the economy?
The state of a country/region in terms of its production and consumption of goods and services
Why is the economy important in pyschological research?
-Absence from work cost the economy 15billion a year caused by mild-moderate mental health issues.
-Important to know how to create a healthy workforce
-Attachment (Bowlby) shows that mothers and fathers both have equal capability of fulfilling roles in parenthood
