Year 1 research methods Flashcards
What is a lab experiment
high controlled
iv manipulated
dv recorded
What are the strengths of a lab experiment
extraneous variables controlled , internal validity
easily replicated
weaknesses of lab experiment
reduced external validity
lack of mundane realism
What is a field experiment
manipulates iv in natural setting
Strengths of field experiment
higher external validity
less demand characteristics
weaknesses of field study
harder to control extraneous variables
ethical issues of informed consent
what is a natural experiment
naturally occurring iv
strength of natural experiment
high external validity
weaknesses of natural experiment
even less control over extraneous variables
p’s cannot be randomly allocated
what is a quasi experiment
iv based on an existing difference between people
strengths of quasi experiments
controlled
scientific credibility
weaknesses of quasi experiments
confounding variables as participants not randomly allocated
what is a naturalistic observation?
natural, non manipulated environment
high external validity
low control
What is a controlled observation
manipulated
more control
lower external validity
What is a covert observation?
participants are not aware they are being watched
truthful behaviour
ethical issues
what is an overt observation
participants do know and gives consent
ethically sound
participants may change behaviour
what is participants observation?
researcher takes part
greater insight
lose objectivity
what is non participant observation?
researcher doesn’t participate
remain objective
lack of extra insight
Strengths of questionnaires
potential large sample
easy to analyse responses
open or closed questions
weaknesses of questionnaires
response bias
social desirability bias
acquiescence bias
strengths of structures interviews
easily replicated
easy to analyse
weakness of structures interviews
inflexible
strengths of unstructured interviews
more depth
weakness of unstructured interview
difficult to repeat
weaknesses with interviews
participants may not be honest
What is a correlation?
measures relationship between two variables and the strength of that relationship
can be positive or negative