The Fundamental of Psychology as a Science Cream Pack 1

Question 1

List the 6 steps of the scientific method.

Answer 1

1. A phenomenon or behaviour is noticed.
2. Theories are developed to explain this.
3. Hypotheses or research questions are written.
4. Studies/ experiments are designed to test predictions.
5. Systematic and controlled data collection takes place.
6. Analysis and interpretation of data collected - conclusions made.

Cycle repeats.

Question 2

Define alternate/ research hypothesis.

Answer 2

A prediction in the form of a testable statement.

Question 3

Define operationalise.

Answer 3

To say in precise terms how a variable will be measured/ manipulated.

Question 4

Define Validity.

Answer 4

The extent to which a study has measured what it claims to measure.

Question 5

Define extraneous variables.

Answer 5

Any variable that might have an effect on the DV other than the IV.

Question 6

Define confounding variables.

Answer 6

Uncontrolled variables that have had an effect on results.

Question 7

Define reliability.

Answer 7

The extent to which a research finding is produced consistently.

Question 8

Define replication.

Answer 8

Repeating research to check on its reliability.

Question 9

Define situational variables.

Answer 9

Extraneous variables in the research environment that can have an effect on DV (other than the IV).

Question 10

Define standardisation.

Answer 10

Process in which procedures used in research are kept the same to improve replicability.

Question 11

Define participant variables.

Answer 11

Come from the individual participants themselves and can effect their performance. e.g. poor memory.

Question 12

Define order effects.

Answer 12

The order in which participants carry out tasks in a study will have an effect on the outcome.

Question 13

Define demand characteristics.

Answer 13

All of the cues that participants might receive that indicate the purpose of the research. Can be intentional/ non-intentional.

Question 14

Define researcher effects.

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Define null hypothesis.

Answer 15

Predicts that any relationships between the two variable/ a correlation will be due to chance. Or no significant difference.

Question 16

Define representative sample.

Answer 16

A group of participants drawn from the target population that are typical of the target population.

Question 17

Define a random sample.

Answer 17

A sample in which every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 18

Define opportunity samples.

Answer 18

Researcher selects participants that are available to them at the time of the study.

Question 19

Define volunteer samples.

Answer 19

When researcher asks for volunteers to take part in the study and volunteers consciously decide to become involved.

Question 20

Define stratified sampling.

Answer 20

Involves dividing the target population into important strata or sub-categories to make sure certain groups are represented.