Unit 2:3 Research Methods

Question 1

Define the term Experimental Method

Answer 1

The manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable.
(Cause and Effect)

Question 2

Define the term Aims

Answer 2

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study.

Question 3

Define the term Operationalised Hypothesis

Answer 3

A clear precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study.

Question 4

Define the term Directional hypothesis

Answer 4

States the direction of the difference or relationship.

Question 5

Define the term Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

Does not state the direction of the difference or relationship but does state that there is a difference or relationship.

Question 6

Define the term Variables

Answer 6

Any “thing” that can vary or change within an investigation. Variables are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing result in changes to another.

Question 7

Define the term Independent variable

Answer 7

(IV) Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher - or changes naturally - so the effect on the DV can be measured.

Question 8

Define the term Dependent Variable

Answer 8

(DV) The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.

Question 9

Define the term Extraneous Variable

Answer 9

Any variable that you’re not investigating that can potentially affect the outcomes of your research study, and lead to inaccurate conclusions about the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Question 10

Define the term Confounding Variable

Answer 10

A variable that changes systematically with the IV, so it is unclear wether any observed change in the DV is due to the IV or the CV.

Question 11

Define the term Demand Characteristics

Answer 11

When the participant knows the aims of the study and therefore acts unnaturally; either purposefully sabotaging the experiment, being overly enthusiastic, or elaborating the truth. This can also be known as the “please-u” and “screw-u” effect.

Question 12

Define the term Investigator Effect

Answer 12

The investigator’s behaviour, design decisions, or biases that can effect the outcome of the research.

Question 13

Define the term Randomisation

Answer 13

The use of chance when designing investigations to control for the effects of bias e.g. allocating participants to conditions.

Question 14

Define the term Standardisation

Answer 14

Using exactly the same formalised procedures for all participants to avoid differences becoming EVs.

Question 15

Define the term Pilot Study

Answer 15

Small scale trial run of an investigation to test procedures so that research design can be modified.

Question 16

Define the term control groups/conditions

Answer 16

Control groups (independent group design) or control conditions (repeated measures design) are used to set comparison, acting as a baseline to help establish causation.

Question 17

Define the term single blind

Answer 17

A participant doesn’t know the aims of the study so that demand characteristics are reduced.

Question 18

Define the term double blind