The Fundamental of Psychology as a Science Cream Pack 1 Flashcards
Hypotheses, Variables and Sampling
List the 6 steps of the scientific method.
- A phenomenon or behaviour is noticed.
- Theories are developed to explain this.
- Hypotheses or research questions are written.
- Studies/ experiments are designed to test predictions.
- Systematic and controlled data collection takes place.
- Analysis and interpretation of data collected - conclusions made.
Cycle repeats.
Define alternate/ research hypothesis.
A prediction in the form of a testable statement.
Define operationalise.
To say in precise terms how a variable will be measured/ manipulated.
Define Validity.
The extent to which a study has measured what it claims to measure.
Define extraneous variables.
Any variable that might have an effect on the DV other than the IV.
Define confounding variables.
Uncontrolled variables that have had an effect on results.
Define reliability.
The extent to which a research finding is produced consistently.
Define replication.
Repeating research to check on its reliability.
Define situational variables.
Extraneous variables in the research environment that can have an effect on DV (other than the IV).
Define standardisation.
Process in which procedures used in research are kept the same to improve replicability.
Define participant variables.
Come from the individual participants themselves and can effect their performance. e.g. poor memory.
Define order effects.
The order in which participants carry out tasks in a study will have an effect on the outcome.
Define demand characteristics.
All of the cues that participants might receive that indicate the purpose of the research. Can be intentional/ non-intentional.
Define researcher effects.
If a researcher knows the aims of the study and the expected outcome, they may struggle to remain objective and influence the results (intentionally/ unintentionally) to reflect their expectations.
Define null hypothesis.
Predicts that any relationships between the two variable/ a correlation will be due to chance. Or no significant difference.
Define representative sample.
A group of participants drawn from the target population that are typical of the target population.
Define a random sample.
A sample in which every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
Define opportunity samples.
Researcher selects participants that are available to them at the time of the study.
Define volunteer samples.
When researcher asks for volunteers to take part in the study and volunteers consciously decide to become involved.
Define stratified sampling.
Involves dividing the target population into important strata or sub-categories to make sure certain groups are represented.
