Revision - research methods

Question 1

Define standardization (in terms of controlling an experiment).

Answer 1

Making everything the exact same for each participant and condition (except the IV). E.g. dialogue explaining procedure to participants should be scripted.

Question 2

Define counterbalancing.

Answer 2

It is a way of ensuring each condition in a repeated measures design is tested first or second in equal amounts. (To reduce limitations like order effects).

Question 3

Define the two ways of counterbalancing.

Answer 3

1. AB/BA - participants will be split into groups. One group will do AB and the other BA to try to cancel out the order effects.
2. ABBA. Each participant does each condition twice. The two A trials are compared to the two B trials.

Question 4

What are the four main ethical standards of the British Psychological Society?

Answer 4

1. Respect (includes privacy, confidentiality and informed consent)
2. Competence
3. Responsibility (includes right to withdraw, protecting them, debriefing)
4. Integrity (honesty in reporting)

Question 5

Name the six different ethical issues most often encountered.

Answer 5

• Informed consent
• Deception
• Right to withdraw
• Protection from physical and psychological harm
• Privacy
• Confidentiality