RMA: WEEK 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Confounding Variables
A
Variables related to IV which do effect the DV so the researcher cant be sure whether the IV effected the DV or whether it was just the confounding
2
Q
Investigator effects
A
Any effect from the researchers behaviour whether its conscious or unconscious
3
Q
Qualitative data
A
- Data can be gathered in two ways, one of which is descriptive data (qualitative) using things like open ended questions in surveys
4
Q
Quantitative data
A
- data can be gathered numerically (quantitative) using closed ended questions for an example
5
Q
Non-experimental designs vs experimental designs
A
- Non-exp designs ask ‘what?’ questions to assess what is happening and ask open ended questions + test predictions
- Exp designs ask ‘why?’ questions to assess why something has happened (causation) and try control affecting factors
6
Q
Types of non-experimental designs
A
- Observations
- Case studies
- Surveys
- Structured interviews
- Unstructured interviews
7
Q
Observations
A
- Filled w/ descriptive data
- Naturalistic Observation: Takes place in a place where the behaviour would naturally occur + attempts to categorise behaviour + cause minimal disturbance
e. g: looking at feeding behaviours of fussy children at someone else’s house (they will act different around a unknown person)
8
Q
Problems with observational research
A
- Lack of computer reliability of categorisation > researchers interpretation of observed behaviour may be biased > can be resolved by increasing inter-rater reliability
- Reactivity bias: if a new person is included in a situation they aren’t usually in, the person being studied may react differently > can be solved by using a participant observation (e.g: studying a child w/ autism by asking the parent to observe frequency of certain behaviour)
9
Q
Case studies
A
- In depth observation and research of an individual (e.g a child with autism or in the care system or HM memory)
10
Q
Problems with case studies
A
- Generalisation is an issue > cannot generalise to others as they way the event or person develops may not occur w/ others > could just be a unique case
- can it be replicated? > can’t necessarily be replicated as the study is specific to that individual
- cause and effect: can’t be certain that a certain variable causes a particular outcome, other factors in the person’s life may impact the outcome > can be overcome by correlating two similar studies
11
Q
Surveys
A
- questionnaires, interviews (structured/unstructured) or diary entries
12
Q
Problems with surveys
A
- memory of ppts may be an issue > if they are asked a question about an event which has occurred, their memory will impact how it is recalled
- reactivity > participants will know the results are being analysed + may try guess the hypothesis so act in a particular way due to social pressure
- questionnaire validity > is it measuring what is claims to? could compare answers to resolve but is nebulous + may impact data analysis
13
Q
Structured interviews
A
- Fixed set of questions asked in a fixed order
- Multiple choice questions or ratings used
14
Q
Benefits of structured interviews
A
- Easily quantified, the data is easy to use and analyse
- Good comparability across participants as the same test is used thus same experience.
- Can ensure all topics are covered as it is set beforehand
15
Q
Problems with structured interviews
A
- Rigid structure with no room for flexibility
- Not adaptable to the ppt which means only the surface information is achieved and cannot get a greater understanding which may make results more reliable.
16
Q
Unstructured interviews
A
- Number of topics without fixed order or questions
17
Q
Benefits of unstructured interviews
A
- Can gather more in depth information so get a greater understanding of the ppt.
- Can make the questions bespoke and relevant to the participant
18
Q
Cons of unstructured interviews
A
- Cannot generalise data as different further questions were asked
- Analysis is time consuming as different questions were being asked across all ppts
19
Q
Overall advantages of descriptive research
A
- Sometimes this is the only method of study both practically and ethically.
- It is often inexpensive and flexible > quite easy to do
- Real life studies and avoid manipulation so it is ethical
- Has ecological validity (close to real life)
20
Q
Overall disadvantages of descriptive research
A
- Researcher bias is easier
- Reactivity > people may react differently because a researcher is present
- Lack of cause and effect conclusions (why is this happening?)
21
Q
Correlational research & it’s purpose
A
- To determine the relationship between two variables without manipulating them. This is done by measuring two variables which you think may be linked. > EG genetic history and heart disease.
- Also looks at direction and strength of relationship among variables.
- Variables must be quantifiable and measurable.
- Statistical method for correlational research is correlation analysis > eg: measuring how often violent tv shows are watched and level of aggression.
22
Q
Problems with correlational research
A
- Direction of relationship is often unclear
- Confounding variables may be present as well.
- EG: relationship between shyness and daydreaming > What leads to what? And other variables such as introversion may play a role. > there may be a correlation but that does not mean the relationship is causal.
23
Q
Correlational study vs descriptive study
A
- A correlational study can be more informative as a they look at the degree of the relationship between two variables + can make predictions about this (positive + negative correlation)
- Relational study can also identify + quantify relationships however this isn’t a proof of causality.
