RM - Experimental Methods Flashcards
[Research Design]
Explain Repeated measures
Involves the same participants in each condition (they do all the conditions/ more than one)
[Research Design]
Explain two strengths of repeated measures
Participant variables - individual differences which could become extraneous variables are kept constant between conditions (higher validity)
Fewer participants are required as they are taking part in multiple conditions (more economical)
[Research Design]
Explain two weaknesses of repeated measures
Order effects - such as fatigue and boredom from being in so many conditions
Demand Characteristics - Ps does both conditions, they may guess the aim of the study (decreases validity)
[Research Design]
Explain Independent measures
Ps only do one condition
[Research Design]
Explain two strengths of Independent measures
Oder effects - such as fatigue and boredom do not affect Ps as they’re only in one condition
Demand Characteristics - Ps does one condition, they are less likely to guess the aim
[Research Design]
Explain two weaknesses of Independent measures
Participant variables differ - act as extraneous variables
More participants needed - less economical
[Research Design]
Explain matched pairs
matching Ps on certain characteristics that might affect performance
[Research Design]
Explain two strengths of Matched Pairs
Participant variables - kept more constant between conditions (high validity)
Order effects - do not occur since they’re in one condition
Demand characteristics - less of a problem, they’re in one condition
[Research Design]
Explain two weaknesses of Matched Pairs
Participant variables - Ps can never be matched perfectly (they may be similar but not exactly the same)
Time consuming and difficult (to match Ps)
More participants are needed - less economical
Explain the IV
The thing you manipulate
Explain the DV
The thing you measure
Is a one-tailed hypothesis directional or non-directional?
Directional
Is a two-tailed hypothesis directional or non-directional?
Non-directional
What does H0 mean
Null Hypothesis
What does H1 mean
Experimental Hypothesis
[Types of Experiment]
Explain the key features of a laboratory experiment
- Controlled, artificial setting
- Standardised Procedures
- Manipulating IV & DV
- Ps know they are in a study but may be deceived about the true aims
- Two or more conditions
[Types of Experiment]
Explain two strengths of a Lab Experiment
Easier to replicate (due to standardised procedures)
Control of extraneous and independent variables (cause and effect relationship to be established)
[Types of Experiment]
Explain two weaknesses of a Lab Experiment
Artificial setting may produce unnatural behaviour (low ecological validity)
Demand characteristics or Experimenter effects (bias) can affect results and become cofounding variables
[Types of Experiment]
Explain what a Field Experiment is
Done in everyday environments of the Ps.
Still manipulates the IV, but in real life setting (struggle to control extraneous variables)
[Types of Experiment]
Explain two strengths of a Field Experiment
Higher mundane realism (normalness of life) which can lead to higher Ecological validity and can generalise results
Reduces demand characteristics as aims of study is less apparent (higher validity)
[Types of Experiment]
Explain two weaknesses of a Field Experiment
Harder to control extraneous variables - may reduce internal validity
Harder to replicate, leading to issues with reliability
[Types of Experiment]
Explain the key features of a Natural Experiment
- Conducted in everyday life
- Use of an IV, two or more conditions and DV
- IV is not under direct control
- IV is usually a naturally occurring event (earthquake, etc)
- Only way to investigate certain phenomena that would be unethical or impractical to directly manipulate the variables
[Types of Experiment]
Explain two strengths of a Natural Experiment
Allows psychologists to study real life problems
Fewer demand characteristics and participant effects as they may not know they’re in a study (increase validity)
