Scientific processes

Question 1

Independent groups design

Answer 1

An experimental design in which each participant takes part in only one of the conditions of the experiment

Strengths:
No order effects
Saves time and effort since conditions can be tested simultaneously
Potential investigator and demand characteristics are reduced

Limitations:
Participant variable - participants in one group may drastically differ to participants in the other
Only taking part in one condition so twice as much participants needed

Question 2

Repeated measures design

Answer 2

An experimental design in which each participant takes part in all conditions of the experiment.

Strengths:
Uses fewer participants, saves time, effort and money
No participant variable

Limitations:
Can be complex when trying to reduce order effects
Losing participants will have more of an impact as there’s a loss of data for both conditions

Question 3

Counterbalancing

Answer 3

A strategy used to reduce order effects when using a repeated measures design. The participant sample is divided in half, with one half completing the two conditions in one order and the other half completing the conditions in the reverse order.

Question 4

Random allocation

Answer 4

Involves randomising order of trials.
Researchers use chance to determine the order in which participants experience the experimental or controlled condition (especially in a repeated measures design).

Question 5

Matched pairs design

Answer 5

An experimental design in which participants in each condition of the experiment are matched according to relevant characteristics.

Strengths:
Control of participant variables
Eliminates order effects

Limitation:
Can be difficult to match participants
Time consuming

Question 6

Co-founding variables

Answer 6

A type of extraneous variable that is associated with both the independent and dependent variables.

Question 7

Standardisation

Answer 7

A way of ensuring that all participants in an experiment have exactly the same experience.

Question 8

Aim

Answer 8

A general statement describing what the study intends to investigate.

Question 9

Hypothesis

Answer 9

A testable statement used in an experiment to predict what will happen

Question 10

Directional hypothesis

Answer 10

Hypothesis predicting the specific direction of the outcome of a study.

e.g. girls will be more likely to pick brighter colors than boys

Question 11

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 11

A hypothesis that does not state a specific outcome of a study

eg. there will be a difference in the colors boys and girls pick

Question 12

Random sampling

Answer 12

Sample in which each sample has the same probability as other samples to serve as a representation of an entire population in a study

Strength:
No investigator bias - no control over who is selected

Limitation:
Limits generalizability -still a chance that sample will not be representative

Question 13

Opportunity sampling

Answer 13

Sample in which researchers use whoever is conveniently available

Strength:
Less time consuming - sampling is straightforward

Limitations:
Possible investigator bias- may consciously or subconsciously show bias in sample selection

Question 14

Pilot study

Answer 14

Small scale study conducted to test equipment, protocol, feasibility, strategies etc.. before conducting a large study.

Used to check all aspects of research by doing trials

Question 15

Demand characteristics

Answer 15

Subtle cues that makes the participant aware of the researcher’s expectation and hence alters their behaviour

Question 16

Behavioral design

Answer 16

Observations need to be planned in advance to ensure reduced observer bias and that it is guided by the hypothesis.

Behavioral categories- a detailed list of all behaviors to be recorded during an observation

Question 17

Questionnaires: Closed questions

Answer 17

Only allows participants to respond in certain kinds of ways. Typically provides a fixed option of responses.

Pros:
Provides control
Require minimum effort to answer
Saves time in analysis

Cons:
Need to know range of answers to a question

Can frustrate participants when their preferred answer is not an option

Lack of engagement