Topic 2 - Research methods Flashcards
What is quantitative vs qualitative research?
Quantitative = Use of experiments or surveys to gather data that can be statistically analysed to test a hypotheses. Qualitative = In depth analysis of relatively few participants to gather data that provides a deeper understanding of a topic.
Name 4 elements of quantitative research.
- Large sample sizes
- Can be repeated
- High reliability
- Deductive & objective approach
Name 4 elements of qualitative research.
- Exploratory research techniques used - interview, observation, case study
- More inductive & subjective
- Describing or interpreting human phenomena
- Can be preferred in indigenous communities as it allows use of own words & concepts
Define variable.
Any phenomena that can differ from one situation to another. Used to determine if a change to one thing results in a change to another.
What is a continuous vs categorical variable?
Continuous = A variable that can be placed on a continuum (e.g. degree of intelligence) Categorical = made of groupings (e.g. state you are in)
Define sample.
Subgroup of a population that is likely to represent the population as a whole.
Define generalisability.
Refers to the applicability of the findings to the entire population being researched.
For a study to be valid what 2 criteria must it meet.
- Internal validity
2. External validity.
Define internal validity & 2 threats.
The experiment must employ methods that convincingly test the hypothesis.
Threat:
Selection bias - sample doesn’t represent population.
Experimental mortality - losing participants causing groups to no longer be equivalent.
Define external validity and 2 threats.
The findings can be generalised to situations outside of the lab.
Threats - sampling bias and experiment not reflecting the real world.
What are the four types of validity? What are they?
- Face validity - does the measure appear to measure what it should?
- Construct validity - Does the measure actually tap into the construct of interest?
- Content validity - Are the qs relevant to the content being measured?
- Criterion validity - do the results correspond to different tests of the same thing?
What are the 4 measurement scales?
- Nominal - categorises e.g. male / female
- Ordinal - ranking e.g. HD, D, P
- Interval - measures both order and difference between two observations. No score of zero, as there are -ves
- Ratio - similar to interval but score of zero is relevant.
Define reliability.
Ability to produce consistent results.
What are the 3 kinds of reliability?
Retest - tendency to yield similar scores for same individual over time.
Internal consistency - if several ways of asking the same question yield similar results.
Interrater reliability - If two different interviewers give an individual similar scores.
What does validity refer to?
The measures ability to assess the variable its supposed to assess.
What are the 3 main goals of scientific method?
Description - being able to summarise your data in a way that is easily understandable.
Prediction - using outcome of your research you can identify what will happen in the same circumstances in the future.
Understanding - Identifying why that would happen.
Independent vs dependent variables
Independent - Variables manipulated by experimenter
Dependent - The participants response to independent variables.
What are the 6 steps of experimental research?
1 - Framing a hypothesis
2 - Operationalising variables (converting abstract concepts to testable forms)
3 - Developing a standardised procedure
4 - Select & assign participants
5 - Applying statistical techniques to the data
6 - Drawing conclusions
4 types of descriptive research.
- Case study methods
- Naturalistic observations
- Survey research
- Correlation research
Define correlation research.
Attempts to determine the degree to which two or more variables are related, so that knowing the score on one variable allow prediction on another. (READ OVER THESE NOTES)
What are the 3 main principles of the code of ethics?
- Respect for the rights and dignity of people
- Propriety
- Integrity
What are the 7 guidelines for conducting psychological research?
Informed consent Must not compromise welfare No excess cash (or other) reward Confidential If using deception - inform afterward Minimise discomfort to animals In an academic environment - have university approval
What are the 3 key principles of critical thinking?
- Scepticism
- Objectivity
- Open-mindedness
what are 4 common fallacies in arguments?
Straw man
Appeals to popularity
Appeals to authority
Arguments directed to the person
