Week Two Flashcards
the scientific method combines
○ Authority
○ Intuition
○ Rationality
○ Empiricism
scientific method definition
The scientific method is the development of theories which have explanatory and predictive capacity and which must be testable and refutable
pattern of the scientific method
observations- initial formulation of theory- predictions - testing predictions using the research process- prediction refuted/confirmed- theory accurate/inaccurate.
what makes a ‘good’ theory
- We should aim to develop theories that:
○ Describe
§ Portray the phenomenon accurately
○ Explain
§ Identify the cause(s) of the phenomenon.
○ Predict
§ Identifying risk factors of a phenomenon can help you predict when it might happen.
quantitative
collect numerical data
qualitative
collect non-numerical data
mixed methods
§ Quantitative data provides an incomplete analysis of what is being investigated.
§ Qualitative data adds additional level of understanding.
variable
- varies
- takes on different values of categories
categorical
- Categorical variables
○ Varies by type or kind e.g. gender, religion etc.
○ Nominal measurement
continuous
- Continuous variables
○ Varies by degree or amount e.g. reaction time, height etc.
○ Interval or ratio measure
dependent variable
○ The presumed effect or outcome of the study
Variable that is measured by the researcher and influences by the IV.
independent variable
○ The variable that is manipulated.
extraneous variable
- Variables that may be impacting the DV that are not the IV.
- Variable/s that compete with the IV in explaining the outcome.
- Sometimes also called nuisance variables.
All confounds are extraneous variables but not all extraneous variables are confounds.
confounding variable
- An extraneous variable that is allowed to co-vary along with the levels of the IV.
mediating variable/ intervening variable
- Occurs between two other variables in a causal chain
- E.g. anxiety causes distraction (mediating variable) which affects memory.
moderating variable
- Qualify a causal relationship as dependent on another variable.
- E.g. the impact of anxiety on memory is different for men and women (sex is a moderating variable).
mediator and moderator variables
- Mediator and moderator variables are not extraneous, they are variables that you have taken data on.
research question
- An interrogative sentence that states the relationship between two or more variables or the key research question.
- Criteria for good research problems
○ Variables should express a clear relationship
○ Stated in question form
○ Capable of empirical testing.
- Criteria for good research problems
when assessing which study to use for a research question, important to consider
- logistics
- ethics
- validity
inferring causality
- A well designed and appropriately controlled and conducted experiment can allow inferences about causality.
- Perform an action (manipulate IV)
- Measure the consequences (change in DV)
- Control for other possible explanations.
important ethical issues
- Informed consent
- Right to confidentiality
- Right to withdraw
Do not cause physical or mental harm/distress
experimental approach - causation
experimental approach is best method for inferring causation.
- Causal description refers to identifying the consequences of manipulating an IV. - Causal explanation refers to explaining the mechanisms through which the relationship exists.
experimental approach- manipulation
experimental approach is the only scientific methodology in which variables are manipulated.
experimental approach-control
- Extraneous variables are controlled by
○ Holding them constant
○ Using random assignment
○ Matching
disadvantages of the experimental approach
- Does not test the effects of non-manipulated variables
- Many potential independent variables cannot be directly manipulated.
○ E.g. age, gender etc.
- Many potential independent variables cannot be directly manipulated.
- Artificiality or generalizability
- Refers to potential problems in generalising findings from laboratory settings to the real world.
online research advantages
- Access to diverse population
- Bring experiment to participant
- Large sample and thus greater power
- Cost savings
online research disadvantages
- Multiple submissions
- Lack of control
- Self-selection
- Drop out
types of experimental manipulation
○ Event manipulation
Instructional manipulation
individual difference manipulation
- Anything that is not experimentally manipulated
- A characteristic of the participant determined the level of the IV at which they are tested.
○ Male vs female
○ Level of social support received (high vs low).
- A characteristic of the participant determined the level of the IV at which they are tested.
between groups
independent groups design)
- Each participant tested at only one level of the IV - Less sensitive design - Only one condition, not exposed to all.
repeated measures
(within groups)
- Each participant is tested at each level of the IV.
○ More sensitive design
Cant always use this design.
mixed design
- Mixed design
More than one IV with at least one IV manipulated between groups and at least one within groups.
positivist or etic
Concerned with uncovering generalizable pattern and laws based on objective empirical data (tends to be deductive in nature)
interpretivist or emic
Concerned with subjective interpretation, context specific, not concerned with generalisability but with deep understanding in line with inductive approaches.
