Research Methods- Topic 3 (Paper1) Flashcards
Define the experimental group.
With this group we might vary the quantity of nutrients that they received, carefully measuring and recording any changes in the plants’ size we observe.
Define the control group.
With this group, we would keep the quantity of nutrients constant, also measuring and recording any changes in size of the plants.
Define the independent variable.
The nutrient (the casual factor).
The dependent variable.
The resulting growth is the effect (since it depends on the first variable, nutrient).
Suggest 2 reasons why data from laboratory experiments may be high in reliability.
The original experimenter can specify precisely what steps were followed in the original experiment so other researchers can repeat these in future.
It’s a very detached method: the researcher Merely manipulates the variable and records the results. The scientists personal feeling and opinions have no effect on the conduct or outcome of the experiment.
3 practical problems of laboratory experiments.
1) Complex.
2) Can’t be used to study the past.
3) Usally only studies small samples.
3 ethical problems of laboratory experiments.
1) Lack of informed consent.
2) Deception.
3) Harm.
Suggest 2 reasons why positivists might favour laboratory experiments.
Researchers can measure and identify behaviour patterns.
Careful control over experimental conditions.
Identity 2 problems of using laboratory experiments in sociological research.
Impossible or unethical to control the variables.
Small scale meaning the results may not be representative.
Why do interpretivists reject the use of laboratory experiments.
It fails to achieve the main goal of validity.
Why might interpretivists favour fixed experiments.
They are more accurate.
Explain why the Hawthorne effect may lead to invalid data.
People may not behave in true-to-life ways.
Why might the fact that humans have free will be a problem for sociological research using the experimental method.
They may choose to not take part.
Identify 2 differences between field experiments and laboratory experiments.
It takes place in the subject’s natural surroundings rather than in an artificial laboratory environment.
Those involved are generally not aware that they are the subject of an experiment, in which case there’s no Hawthorne effect.
What are the two steps involved in carrying out a ‘thought experiment’.
Identify 2 groups of people that are alike in all major respects except for the one variable we are interested in.
Then compare the two groups to see if one difference between them had any effect.
