scientific research methods Flashcards
Independent Variable
The variable that is manipulated or varied by the experimenter. When applied in research, this variable is said to cause the results
Dependent Variable
The variable which is being observed or measured in the experimental situation to see the effect of the independent variable.
Operational Variable
States how the variables will be observed, manipulated and measured.
experimental hypothesis
a broad general prediction about whether the IV will effect the DV
research hypothesis
explains how the IV will be manipulated and how it’s effect will be measured on the DV
True Value
The value (or range of values) that would be found if the quantity could be measured perfectly.
Accuracy
The closeness of a measurement to the true value.
Precision
How close a set of measurements are to each other (not necessarily to the true value).
Repeatability
When a test is carried out under the same conditions (i.e. repeated) and the results match.
Reproducibility
When a test produces similar results under changed or different conditions
Internal Validity
When the test carried out measures what it intends to measure.
External Validity:
When the results of a study can be applied to similar individuals in a different setting
Extraneous Variables
ANY variable other than the independent variable (IV) that can cause a change in the dependent variable (DV) and therefore affects the results of the experiment in an unwanted way.
Confounding Variables
when an extraneous variable is not controlled for or held constant its effect can become confused with the effects of the independent variable.
Placebo Effect
There is a change in the results simply because a treatment has been given.
Boredom effect
doing a task a second time and performing worse than the first time due to fatigue or boredom
Practice effect
doing a task a second time and performing better than the first time simply because you have done it before
Non-Standardised Instructions and Procedures
Treating the groups of the experiment differently from one another, having multiple experimenters interacting with different participants and conducting the experiment in different ways.
Individual Participant Differences
People in different groups of the experiment are different from one another on important characteristics, meaning the groups are not equal.
Experimenter Effect
The expectations of the experimenter influence the participants’ results.
Double-Blind Procedure
Neither the participants nor the researcher know who is in the control or experimental conditions.
population
refers to the group that the researcher wishes to find out about
Random Sample
Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection
Stratified Random Sample:
Dividing the population into categories and selecting at random in proportions equivalent to population.
Convenience Sampling:
Picking whoever is available at the time
EXPERIMENTAL GROUP.
Participants are exposed to the
experimental treatment.
CONTROL GROUP.
No experimental treatment, provides a
baseline for comparison.
Random Allocation
A procedure for assigning participants to either the experimental or control group in an experiment, ensuring that all participants have an equal chance of being allocated to either group.
Correlation Study
A non-experimental study where the researcher investigates relationships between variables.
Variables are not controlled or manipulated; they are observed and measured as they naturally occur.
Case Study
An in-depth, detailed study of all aspects of a single participant, group or event; usually undertaken to gain insight into a particular psychological phenomenon.
Fieldwork
Watching and recording the behaviour of people or animals within a specific environment and drawing conclusions based on the recorded observations.
Observer effect
changes in the behaviour of an individual being observed, caused by their awareness of the presence of the observer.
Observer bias:
skewing of results of an observational study that occurs when an observer sees what they expect to see, or records only selected details of an observed behaviour.
Self-Reports
Individuals are asked to express their attitudes or report on their own behaviours (verbally or in writing) by answering questions.
Research Merit
there are clear benefits from the research, such as expanding psychological knowledge and understanding.
Integrity
refers to the commitment by the researcher to the search for knowledge, using recognised principles for conducting research and in the honest and ethical conduct of research. Includes the honest reporting of results, whether favourable or not.
Respect for Persons
when the researcher properly regards the welfare, rights, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of all individuals involved in the research.
Beneficence
is the researchers’ responsibility to maximise possible benefits and minimise any risks to participants. The welfare of the participants has a higher priority than the expected benefits to knowledge.
Justice
this is where the researcher needs to ensure that there is a fair distribution of benefits and burdens within the population of research interest or for any participant in the research.
Confidentiality
The participants must not be identified in any way. Data must be kept anonymous unless participants have given consent to disclose identity. Participants may demand that data be destroyed after debriefing.
Voluntary Participation
Participants have the right to refuse to participate in a study voluntarily without pressure.
Withdrawal Rights
Participants can withdraw from a study at any time regardless of the effect on the results. This should be explained to the participants prior to the commencement of the study. They may also withdraw their results after the conclusion of the study.
Informed Consent Procedures
Participants should be given information about the study and their rights before agreeing to become involved.
Deception in Research
Participants should not be deliberately misled without strong medical or scientific justification.
Research can be confounded when participants have too much information about a study. There must be strict controls to make sure that the subject is not distressed. At the end of the study debriefing must occur.
Debriefing
Participants are provided with all the information about the study: intent, nature, results and conclusions. Any deception about the intent of the study must be corrected at this stage.
Access to Results
Participants have the right to a copy of any document published by the researcher. This must be made clear to participants during informed consent procedure.
