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Psychology > Research Methods Y1 > Flashcards

Research Methods Y1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an aim

A

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study

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2
Q

What is a hypothesis

A

A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables investigated.

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3
Q

Difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis

A

Directional; states the direction of the difference or relationship
Non-directional; does not state the direction of the difference or relatoionship

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4
Q

What is an experimental method

A

Manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect of a dependent variable. May be in a lab, field, natural or quasi.

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5
Q

Difference between dependent and independent variable

A

A researcher changes or manipulates the IV and records the effect that this has on the DV

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6
Q

What is a variable

A

Anything that can vary or change within and investigation

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7
Q

What is operationalisation

A

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

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8
Q

What is an extraneous variable

A

Any variable other than independent variable that may affect the dependent if it not controlled.

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9
Q

What is a cofounding variable

A

A kind of extraneous variable that works with the independent variable so it is unsure whether the cofounding variable or independent variable is what is effecting the dependent variable

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10
Q

Give an example of extraneous variable

A

age of participants, lighting

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11
Q

What is a demand characteristic

A

Participant may know the objective and play along with the research.

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12
Q

What are investigator effects

A

Any effect of the investigators behaviour (conscious or unconscious) which may cause an effect of the dependent variable.

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13
Q

Example of investigator effect

A

Interaction with participants, leading questions

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14
Q

What is randomisation

A

Reduce researchers unconscious bias, use of chance methods to control this. E.g random generator for list of words

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15
Q

What is standardisation

A

Using the exact same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study, no extraneous variables

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16
Q

What are the kinds of experimental designs?

A
  • Independent groups
  • Repeated measures
  • Matched pairs
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17
Q

What is independent groups

A

2 separate goes through separate conditions

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18
Q

What is repeated measures

A

One person goes through both conditions

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19
Q

What is matched pairs

A

2 matched on one same variable to reduce variables, go through separate experiences

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20
Q

Experimental designs- EVAL

A

Independent groups-
-DV differences may just be due to different participants, cofounding variable reducing validity
-Less economical
-Order effects are not a problem as not repeated by 1
Repeated measures-
-Order of task may be significant, important for counter balancing
-Boredom/fatigue from repeating
-Demand-characteristics
-Variables are controlled, higher validity
Matched pairs
-No order effects or demand characteristics as only one per condition
-Can never be exactly matched
-Time-consuming and expensive

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21
Q

What are the 4 experimental methods

A

Lab
Natural
Quasi
Field

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22
Q

What is meant by lab experiment

A

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the DV, maintaining strict control of extraneous variables

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23
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of a lab experiment

A

Strengths:
-High control over cofounding variables and extraneous variables, change of DV is likely due to IV (high internal validity)
-Easy to replicate
Limitations:
-Low external validity, lack generalisability (artificial/ not everyday life)
-Demand characteristics
-Low mundane realism (not real life)

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24
Q

What is low mundane realism

A

Low real life realism

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25
Q

What is meant by field experiments

A

IV is manipulated in a real life setting. Researcher goes to participant essentially

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26
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments

A

Strengths:
-Higher mundane realism, more valid and authentic, participants unaware that they are being studied
Limitations:
-Difficult to establish the IV
-Ethical issues, participants cannot consent to being studied, invasion of privacy

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27
Q

What is meant by natural experiments

A

Researcher has no effect on the changing independent variable and it cannot be affected. Participants can be tested in a lab or field.

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28
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of a natural experiment

A

Strengths:
-Provides an opportunity to study things that would be unethical generally such as effects of a natural disaster
Limitations:
-Not randomly allocated, what is effecting the DV.
-When in lab, lacks realism and has demand characteristics

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29
Q

What is meant by quasi-experiments

A

IV is based on existing difference between people, no one has manipulated this variable it simply exists. Can be measured in field or lab

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30
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments

A

Strengths:
-Controlled conditions, strengths of lab experiments
Limitations
-Have cofounding variables, cannot randomly allocate the participants
-IV is not deliberately changed so don’t know if this is what causes change

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31
Q

What is a sample

A

A group of people who take part in a research investigation, sample is drawn from a target population. Presumed to be representative of it.

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32
Q

Types of sampling technique and what they are

A
  • Random: random
  • Stratified: sample reflecting proportions
  • Opportunity: Select those who happen to be willing and able
  • Volunteer: Participants selecting themselves
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33
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of Volunteer sample

A 
Strengths 
-Less time consuming 
-Participant is more engaged 
Limitations 
-Volunteer bias (certain volunteer bias)
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34
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of Random sample

A 
Strengths
-Unbiased 
Limitations 
-Time-consuming
-May be unrepresentative 
-Some may refuse to participate
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35
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of Systematic sample

A 
Strengths 
-Researcher has no influence
Limitations 
-Time consuming
-May refuse
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36
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of Stratified sample

A

Strengths
-Representative, can be generalised
Limitations
-Complete representation is impossible

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37
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of Opportunity sample

A

Strengths
-Less costly
Limitations
-Unrepresentative, researcher has selective control

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38
Q

What is meant by ethical issues

A

Conflicts arising between the rights of participants in research studies and the goals of research is to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data

39
Q

What is BPS code of ethics

A

Quasi-legal document produced by BPS that instructs UK psychologists about what behaviour is and is not acceptable when dealing with participants

40
Q

What are the 4 main principles of BPS code of ethics

A
  • Respect
  • Competence
  • Responsibility
  • Integrity
41
Q

What are the 4 main issues that face participants and researchers in psychology, explain them

A

-Informed consent,
Participant is aware of the aims and has a right to withdraw
-Deception,
Should not be lied to
-Protection from harm
No risk to their daily life, have a right to withdraw from the investigation at any point
-Privacy and confidentiality
Right to control information about themselves, if it is invaded, confidentiality should be provided

42
Q

Dealing with informed consent

A

-Consent letter detailing all relevant information

43
Q

Dealing with deception and protection from harm

A
  • Full debrief
  • Right to withhold data
  • Have potential counselling afterwards
44
Q

Dealing with confidentiality

A
  • Maintain anonymity

- Briefing and debriefing, reminding that their data will be protected.

45
Q

What is a pilot study

A

A small-scale version of an investigation that takes place before a real investigation is conducted. This is to check that procedures, materials, measuring scales etc. work, Allows to make modifications if necessary.

46
Q

What is a single-blind test and a double-blind test

A

Single blind test:
Where the participant does not know which is the placebo, but researcher does know. Reduces demand characteristics
Double blind test:
Participant and researcher are both unaware as for who has the placebo, unknown what is influencing

47
Q

What is a control group

A

Compare control group to experimental group see if there is an effect one the DV by the manipulated IV

48
Q

What is an observation

A

Provides psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them

49
Q

What is the difference between naturalistic and controlled observations

A

Naturalistic
-Observation takes place in the setting or context where the target behaviour would occur
Controlled
-Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment

50
Q

What is the difference between overt and covert observations?

A

Covert
Where participants are unaware that they are being studied
Overt
Participants are aware that they are bing studied

51
Q

What is the difference between participant and non-participant observations?

A

Participant
Observer becomes part of the investigation
Non-participant
Observer is not part of the investigation

52
Q

Strengths and limitations of all observations?

A

Strengths
-Benefitting of capturing what people actually do
Limitations
-Observer bias, interpretation by there observer
-Cannot demonstrate causal relationships

53
Q

Strengths and limitations of naturalistic and controlled observations?

A

Strengths
(N)-High external validity, can generalise everyday life
(C)-control over cofounding/extraneous variables
Limitations
(N)- Cannot be easily replicated
(C)-produce findings that cannot be readily applied to everyday life

54
Q

Strengths and limitations of covert and overt observations?

A

Strengths
(C)- Do not know being watched so natural, no demand characteristics increases internal validity
(O)- ethically acceptable
Limitations
(C)-Ethical issues
(O)-Knowledgeable participants, may have effects

55
Q

Strengths and limitations of participant and non-participant observations?

A

Strength
(P)Realism, Researcher experiences
(N)Researcher maintains a distance
Limitations
(P) May lose objectivity, identify too strongly with them
(N)Too far removed from the people and behaviour that they are studying

56
Q

What are the two ways of recording data

A
  • Structured: Using structured categories and only writing it down then
  • Unstructured: writing everything they see
57
Q

What is a behavioural category

A

When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable (Operationalise)

58
Q

What are two sampling methods during structured recording data

A
  • Event sampling: counting number of times a particular behaviour (event) occurs
  • Time sampling: recording in a pre-established time frame
59
Q

Strengths and limitations of structured versus unstructured observations

A

Strengths:
(S)- Use of behavioural categories making recording easier
(S)-Quantitive so easier to compare
(U)- More deep and detailed
Limitations:
(U)-Difficult to compare as qualitative
(U)- May only record what catches their eye and miss the smaller things

60
Q

What should observers do with behavioural categories

A
  • Clear categories
  • Observable, measurable and self-evident
  • No overlapping
61
Q

Sampling methods strengths and limitations of observational designs

A

Strengths:
-Reducing number of observations that should be made
Limitations:
-Target behaviour or event happens quite can be missed
-If too complex may not be recorded

62
Q

What is a self-report technique

A

Any method in which a person is asked to state or explain their own feelings, behaviours and/ or related experiences

63
Q

The two kinds self-report techniques

A
  • Questionnaires

- Interviews

64
Q

Difference between open and closed questions

A 
Open questions
-Free to answer however
-Qualitative 
Closed questions 
-Categories 
-Quantitative
65
Q

3 different types of interviews

A

Structured
-Predetermined set of questions that are asked in a fixed order
Unstructured
-No set questions
-Certain topic is discussed and free-flowing
Semi-structured
-List of questions but free to ask follow up questions

66
Q

Questionaire- EVAL

A

Strengths
-Cost-effective
-Quickly gather all data
-Can be completed without researcher present
-Easy comparisons
-Straightforward
Limitations
-Not always truthful
-Demand characteristics, social desirability bias
-Response bias, rating scale may be better
-Acquiescence bias (saying yes to everything)

67
Q

Interviews- EVAL

A

Strengths
(S)-Easy to replicate
(U)-Flexibility to ask
(U)- skilled interviewer more likely to get the truth

Limitations
(S)- Interviewers cannot deviate from the topic, which may be necessary
(U)- Interviewer bias
(U)- Social desirability so may lie

68
Q

3 types of questionaires

A
  • Likert scale (scale of agreement)
  • Rating scale
  • Fixed-choice option
69
Q

What should be considered when writing good questions?

A
  • No overuse of jargon
  • No leading questions
  • No double-barrelled questions or double negatives
70
Q

What is correlation

A

A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables- co-variables

71
Q

What are types of correlations, draw them

A

Positive and negative

72
Q

How is a correlation not like an experiment

A

A correlation there is no manipulation so the changes cannot be for sure

73
Q

What are the strengths and limitations of correlations

A

Strengths
-Assess the strength and direction of relationship, provide a quantifiable measure
-Correlations are often used before a researcher decides to start research on something
-Quick and economical to carry out, no manipulation required
-Use of secondary data
Limitations
-Only tells us that they are related but not about how
-Perhaps another untested variable is at play
-It is also secondary data so don’t know how it was carried out.

74
Q

Difference between quantitive and qualitative data

A

Quantitive:
Numbers e.g numbers recalled on a memory test
Qualitative:
Letter data , e.g unstructured interview

75
Q

Difference between primary and secondary data

A

Primary data: collected by the same person conducting the research
Secondary data: Already collected by somebody else , it essentially already exists before the psychologist decided to conduct their research

76
Q

Strengths and limitations of qualitative data

A

Strengths
-Much more rich in detail
-Allows participants to fully report what they think/feel
-Great external validity, provides a meaningful insight
Limitations
-Difficult to interpret
-Researcher may be bias especially if there are pre expectations.

77
Q

Strengths and limitations of quantitative data

A 
Strengths
-Simple to analyse 
-Easy to compare 
-Less bias and more objective
Limitations
-Narrower in meaning and detail 
-Fails to represent 'real life'
78
Q

Strengths and limitations of primary data

A

Strengths
-Authentic
Limitations
-Requires time and effort as need to be done by self

79
Q

Strengths and limitations of secondary data

A

Strengths
-Inexpensive
Limitations
-Dont know the quality of the information being collected so difficult to say whether it is valid

80
Q

What is meta-analysis

A

Meta-analysis more valid than just looking at secondary data.
Compilation of secondary data.

81
Q

What is standard deviation

A

How far scores deviate away from the mea,

82
Q

What is the concept of significance

A

Statistical testing must be used

83
Q

What is the concept of significance

A

Statistical testing must be used to check if there is significance to the value.

84
Q

What is the sign test, explain how it is done.

A
  • Look at the difference
  • Use repeated measures
  • Put into categories, known as nominal data
85
Q

What is the concept of probability

A

The likelihood of a certain event to occur

86
Q

What is the null hypotheses

A

States that there is no difference/association in the population

87
Q

What is the psychological level of signification

A

0.05

88
Q

What are the three components of the critical value

A
  • Significance level (0.05)
  • Number of participants
  • Is it directional (one-tailed) or non-directional (two-tailed)
89
Q

What is peer review

A

The assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field, to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high validity

90
Q

What are the 3 main aims of peer review

A
  1. Allocate research funding
  2. Validate quality and relevance of research
  3. To suggest amendments or improvements
91
Q

Peer review evaluation

Anonymity, publication bias, burying ground breaking research

A

Anonymity:
Publication bias:
Burying ground breaking research:

92
Q

Peer review evaluation

Anonymity, publication bias, burying ground breaking research

A

Anonymity: being anonymous peer review may come w issues because may rate badly if have beef
Publication bias:
May only publish research with grabbing headlines
Burying ground breaking research:
Surpress theories opposing mainstream theories

93
Q

Implications of psychological research for the wider economy

A
  • Role of father

- Development of treatment for mental disorders

94
Q

What is the economy

A

The state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services

Psychology (12 decks)

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