Research Methods part A.

Question 1

What is the definition of an experiment? (factors of an experiment)

Answer 1

1. hypothesis is scientifically tested.
2. the IV is manipulated by the researcher.
3. the DV is measured.
4. any extraneous variables are controlled.

Question 2

different types of experiments?

Answer 2

1. Lab
2. Field
3. Quasi
4. observational [non-experimental]

Question 3

Lab experiment Definition.

Answer 3

an experiment that is conducted in a controlled environment.

Question 4

Lab experiment advantages.

Answer 4

• greater control over variables
• standardisation
• replicability = high reliability
• establish cause and effect

Question 5

Lab experiment disadvantages.

Answer 5

• low ecological validity.
  (because they are not in a real-life setting, in an artificial study)
• demand characteristics
• experimenter effect
• limited applicability
• expensive, time consuming.

Question 6

Field experiment definition.

Answer 6

A scientific study that is made outside of a controlled environment, in a real-world setting.

Question 7

Field experiment advantages.

Answer 7

• high ecological validity.
• establish causal relationships.
• reduced demand characteristic
• no experimenter effect.

Question 8

Field experiment disadvantages.

Answer 8

• offer less control
• low reliability/replicability
• less standardisation.

Question 9

quasi- experiment definition.

Answer 9

research that resembles experimental research but is not. Although, the IV is being manipulated, participants or not assigned to conditions or orders (Cook & Campbell, 1979).

Question 10

quasi-experiment advantages.

Answer 10

• can provide a high level of evidence without randomisation.
• more generalisable
• have more external validity.

Question 11

quasi-experiment disadvantages.

Answer 11

• low internal validity.
• lack of causal effect
• no randomisation
• less reliable.

Question 12

different types of observations.

Answer 12

1. participant/non-participant
2. controlled/naturalistic
3. structured/un-structured
4. covert/overt.

Question 13

participant observation definition.

Answer 13

A research method where the researcher takes on the role of a participant whilst observing other participants’ behaviour around them.

Question 14

advantages of participant observations.

Answer 14

• in depth understanding.
• adds validity.

Question 15

disadvantages of participant observations.

Answer 15

• may lack objectivity
• add bias ~ reducing validity.
• difficult to record/find time.
• difficult to replicate?

Question 16

non-participant observation definition.

Answer 16

A research method where the researcher watches ad records a participants’ behaviour without interfering in any way.

Question 17

non-participant observation advantages.

Answer 17

• researcher can be less biased because they are an outsider.
• more ethical because pps are aware they are being observed.

Question 18

non-participant observation disadvantages.

Answer 18

• can lead to hawthorne effect.
• harder to gain accurate results if watching from a distance.
• time consuming/costly.

Question 19

overt observation definition.

Answer 19

with participants who are aware they are being observed.

Question 20

overt observation advantages.

Answer 20

• higher level of reliability.
• can easily collect evidence.
• characteristics of researcher don’t have to fit in with group
• can ask questions.

Question 21

overt observation disadvantages.

Answer 21

• Hawthorne effect.
• not always representative.
• time consuming
• difficult to repeat.

Question 22

covert observation definition.

Answer 22

Participants do not know they are being observed.

Question 23

covert observation advantages.