Research Methods quickie Flashcards
Define experimental method
Manipulation of IV to measure effect on DV. Experiments can be lab, field, natural or quasi.
Define aim
Statement of what the research aims to study; the purpose of the study
Define hypothesis
Clear, testable statement that states relationship between variables being investigated. Stated at start of each study
Define directional hypothesis
States difference
Define non-directional hypothesis
Doesn’t state difference
Define a variable
Anything that can vary within an investigation. Used in experiments to see if changes in one thing causes changes in another.
Define IV
Aspect of experiment that’s being manipulated or changes naturally so researcher can measure effect on DV
Define DV
Variable measured by researcher.
Any effect on DV should be caused by change in IV.
Define operationalisation
Clearly defining variable in terms of how they can be measured
Define extraneous variable
Any variable other than IV that affects DV if not controlled. EV are nuisance variables and don’t vary systematically with IV.
Define confounding variable
Any variable other than IV that has affected DV so true source of changes in DV is unclear. CV vary systematically with IV.
Define demand characteristics
Cues from researcher/experiment that allow participants to work out the aim of experiment. This leads to participants changing behaviour within the experiment.
Define investigator effects
Any effect of researcher’s behaviour on the research outcome (DV)
e.g. design of study and interaction with participants
Define randomisation
Use of chance to control the effects of bias when creating an experiment and deciding the order of conditions
Define standardisation
Using the exact same procedures and instructions for every participant in the study
Define experimental design
Different ways in which testing of participants can be organised in the experiment.
Define independent groups
Participants are allocated to different groups, each group represents one experimental condition
Define repeated measures
All participants take part in all conditions of the study
Define matched pairs
When pairs of participants are matched on a variable, then one is put into condition A and one into condition B
Define random allocation
An attempt to control PP variables in an independent group design which ensures each participant is equally likely to be chosen for each condition
Define counterbalancing
Attempt to control effects of order in repeated measures - half of participants experience conditions in one order and other half experience conditions in reverse order
Define lab experiment
Takes place in controlled environment where researcher manipulates IV and measures effects on DV, while strong control over extraneous variables
Define field experiment
Takes place in natural setting where researcher manipulates IV to see effect on DV
Define natural experiment
Experiment where changes in IV aren’t caused by researcher but would’ve happened even in absence of researcher. Researcher measures effect on DV
Define quasi-experiment
Study similar to an experiment but lacks key aspects:
- IV isn’t determined by anyone, variables simply exist, such as being old or young
- IV is based on an existing difference
Define population
Group of interest of researcher, from which small sample is drawn
Define sample
Group of people who take part in experiment.
Sample taken from target population and presumed to be representative of that population
Define sampling technique
Method used to select people from population
What is a random sample
All members of target population are equally likely to be picked
What is a systematic sample
Every nth member of target population is selected
What is an opportunity sample
Researcher asks and takes in anyone willing and available
What is a volunteer sample
Participants select themselves to be a part of a study
What is a stratified sample
Composition of sample reflects portions of sub-groups within target population
How do you carry out a random sample?
Make a list of PPs, label each with a number start to finish, select numbers with RNG or hat
How do you carry out a systematic sample?
Create a sampling frame e.g. alphabetical order, randomly select interval and choose every nth person
How do you carry out a stratified sample?
Identify the sub-groups that make up the population, proportions needed for sample are worked out.
e.g. sample of 50 men 50 woman and 10 participants needed, 5 men and 5 woman will be in sample
Define bias
In sampling = when sample over/under represents certain groups. This limits generalisation
Define generalisation
Extent to which findings and conclusions from experiment can be applied to the general population. This is possible if sample represents population
Define naturalistic observation
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting in which it normally occurs
Define controlled observation
Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment where variables are controlled
Define covert observation
Participant behaviour recorded WITHOUT consent
Define overt observation
Participant behaviour recorded WITH consent
Define participant observation
Researcher becomes member of group he’s recording
Define non-participant observation
Researcher remains outside of group he’s recording
