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Research Methods Y1 Flashcards

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
What is meant by field experiments
IV is manipulated in a real life setting. Researcher goes to participant essentially
26
What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments
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
27
What is meant by natural experiments
Researcher has no effect on the changing independent variable and it cannot be affected. Participants can be tested in a lab or field.
28
What are the strengths and limitations of a natural experiment
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
29
What is meant by quasi-experiments
IV is based on existing difference between people, no one has manipulated this variable it simply exists. Can be measured in field or lab
30
What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments
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
31
What is a sample
A group of people who take part in a research investigation, sample is drawn from a target population. Presumed to be representative of it.
32
Types of sampling technique and what they are
- Random: random - Stratified: sample reflecting proportions - Opportunity: Select those who happen to be willing and able - Volunteer: Participants selecting themselves
33
What are the strengths and limitations of Volunteer sample
``` Strengths -Less time consuming -Participant is more engaged Limitations -Volunteer bias (certain volunteer bias) ```
34
What are the strengths and limitations of Random sample
``` Strengths -Unbiased Limitations -Time-consuming -May be unrepresentative -Some may refuse to participate ```
35
What are the strengths and limitations of Systematic sample
``` Strengths -Researcher has no influence Limitations -Time consuming -May refuse ```
36
What are the strengths and limitations of Stratified sample
Strengths -Representative, can be generalised Limitations -Complete representation is impossible
37
What are the strengths and limitations of Opportunity sample
Strengths -Less costly Limitations -Unrepresentative, researcher has selective control
38
What is meant by ethical issues
Conflicts arising between the rights of participants in research studies and the goals of research is to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data
39
What is BPS code of ethics
Quasi-legal document produced by BPS that instructs UK psychologists about what behaviour is and is not acceptable when dealing with participants
40
What are the 4 main principles of BPS code of ethics
- Respect - Competence - Responsibility - Integrity
41
What are the 4 main issues that face participants and researchers in psychology, explain them
-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
Dealing with informed consent
-Consent letter detailing all relevant information
43
Dealing with deception and protection from harm
- Full debrief - Right to withhold data - Have potential counselling afterwards
44
Dealing with confidentiality
- Maintain anonymity | - Briefing and debriefing, reminding that their data will be protected.
45
What is a pilot study
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
What is a single-blind test and a double-blind test
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
What is a control group
Compare control group to experimental group see if there is an effect one the DV by the manipulated IV
48
What is an observation
Provides psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them
49
What is the difference between naturalistic and controlled observations
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
What is the difference between overt and covert observations?
Covert Where participants are unaware that they are being studied Overt Participants are aware that they are bing studied
51
What is the difference between participant and non-participant observations?
Participant Observer becomes part of the investigation Non-participant Observer is not part of the investigation
52
Strengths and limitations of all observations?
Strengths -Benefitting of capturing what people actually do Limitations -Observer bias, interpretation by there observer -Cannot demonstrate causal relationships
53
Strengths and limitations of naturalistic and controlled observations?
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
Strengths and limitations of covert and overt observations?
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
Strengths and limitations of participant and non-participant observations?
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
What are the two ways of recording data
- Structured: Using structured categories and only writing it down then - Unstructured: writing everything they see
57
What is a behavioural category
When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable (Operationalise)
58
What are two sampling methods during structured recording data
- Event sampling: counting number of times a particular behaviour (event) occurs - Time sampling: recording in a pre-established time frame
59
Strengths and limitations of structured versus unstructured observations
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
What should observers do with behavioural categories
- Clear categories - Observable, measurable and self-evident - No overlapping
61
Sampling methods strengths and limitations of observational designs
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
What is a self-report technique
Any method in which a person is asked to state or explain their own feelings, behaviours and/ or related experiences
63
The two kinds self-report techniques
- Questionnaires | - Interviews
64
Difference between open and closed questions
``` Open questions -Free to answer however -Qualitative Closed questions -Categories -Quantitative ```
65
3 different types of interviews
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
Questionaire- EVAL
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
Interviews- EVAL
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
3 types of questionaires
- Likert scale (scale of agreement) - Rating scale - Fixed-choice option
69
What should be considered when writing good questions?
- No overuse of jargon - No leading questions - No double-barrelled questions or double negatives
70
What is correlation
A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables- co-variables
71
What are types of correlations, draw them
Positive and negative
72
How is a correlation not like an experiment
A correlation there is no manipulation so the changes cannot be for sure
73
What are the strengths and limitations of correlations
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
Difference between quantitive and qualitative data
Quantitive: Numbers e.g numbers recalled on a memory test Qualitative: Letter data , e.g unstructured interview
75
Difference between primary and secondary data
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
Strengths and limitations of qualitative data
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
Strengths and limitations of quantitative data
``` Strengths -Simple to analyse -Easy to compare -Less bias and more objective Limitations -Narrower in meaning and detail -Fails to represent 'real life' ```
78
Strengths and limitations of primary data
Strengths -Authentic Limitations -Requires time and effort as need to be done by self
79
Strengths and limitations of secondary data
Strengths -Inexpensive Limitations -Dont know the quality of the information being collected so difficult to say whether it is valid
80
What is meta-analysis
Meta-analysis more valid than just looking at secondary data. Compilation of secondary data.
81
What is standard deviation
How far scores deviate away from the mea,
82
What is the concept of significance
Statistical testing must be used
83
What is the concept of significance
Statistical testing must be used to check if there is significance to the value.
84
What is the sign test, explain how it is done.
- Look at the difference - Use repeated measures - Put into categories, known as nominal data
85
What is the concept of probability
The likelihood of a certain event to occur
86
What is the null hypotheses
States that there is no difference/association in the population
87
What is the psychological level of signification
0.05
88
What are the three components of the critical value
- Significance level (0.05) - Number of participants - Is it directional (one-tailed) or non-directional (two-tailed)
89
What is peer review
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
What are the 3 main aims of peer review
1. Allocate research funding 2. Validate quality and relevance of research 3. To suggest amendments or improvements
91
Peer review evaluation | Anonymity, publication bias, burying ground breaking research
Anonymity: Publication bias: Burying ground breaking research:
92
Peer review evaluation | Anonymity, publication bias, burying ground breaking research
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
Implications of psychological research for the wider economy
- Role of father | - Development of treatment for mental disorders
94
What is the economy
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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