year 1 (p26-54) Flashcards
what does sampling involve?
selecting ppts from a target group/ population.
what is a target population?
is the group whom the researcher is interested in, from which the sample is drawn, and which the research findings will be generalised.
why are sampling techniques used?
to choose a representative sample from the target group
why does a sample group need to be a reasonable size?
so the researcher can make a justified extension of the findings from the sample to the rest of the target population (generalisation of the findings)
name five sampling techniques
random opportunity volunteer systematic stratified
define random sampling
ppts are chosen at random, either using a computer programme or through pulling names out of a hat
two strengths of random sampling
representative of the general population and less bias - all ppts have an equal chance of being chosen
one limitation of random sampling
time consuming and difficult to conduct
define opportunity sampling
ppts are chosen from whoever is available
one strength of opportunity sampling
money and time efficient
one limitation of opportunity sampling
researcher bias - may choose ppts based on who they like the look of
define volunteer sampling
ppts are asked to volunteer to take part in research
one strength of volunteer sampling
quick and easy way of gathering ppts
one limitation of volunteer sampling
generalising finding could be different - may not be a truly representative sample
certain people are more likely to volunteer w.g. helpful, curious
define systematic sampling
ppts are chosen in a systematic way
e.g. every fourth student on a psychology course
one strength of systematic sampling
avoids researcher bias - researcher has no influence over who is chosen
one limitation of systematic sampling
is a chance that the sample is not representative e.g. mixed class but by chance only girls chosen
define stratified sampling
involves categorising the population and then choosing a random sample which consists of ppts from each category in the same proportion as they are in the target population
two strengths of stratified sampling
avoids researcher bias - once target population has been categorised, ppts are chosen randomly.
can be generalised- sample is representative of the target population
one limitation of stratified sampling
time consuming and complicated
what is a pilot study?
an initial run-through of the procedure to be used in an investigation. it involves selecting a few people and testing the study on them. identifies flaws with the procedure by helping the researcher spot any ambiguities or confusion in the information given to ppts or problems with the task. e.g. task too hard/easy
saves time and money
name the three sets of types of observational techniques
naturalistic or controlled
overt or covert
participant or non participant
what are naturalist observations?
involves observing behaviour in a natural environment, observer doesn’t interfere with the behaviour in any way
two advantages of naturalistic observations
high ecological validity
high mundane realism
one disadvantage of naturalistic observations
can’t be replicated - no control over variables - reliability can’t be checked
what are controlled observations?
(laboratory observations)
involves the researcher setting up the situation to be observed.
they don’t necessarily take place in a lab
two advantages of controlled observations
can be replicated to check reliability
extraneous variables can be minimised
one disadvantage of controlled observations
low ecological validity because of artificial environment
what is a covert observation?
the ppts are not aware that they are being observed
one advantage of covert observations
investigator effects are unlikely