Year 1 research methods - Pilot studies, observation studies, self report techniques

Question 1

Pilot study

Answer 1

A small scale trial of the investigation

Question 2

Single blind procedure

Answer 2

Where details are kept from the participant in a study, such as which condition they are in.

Question 3

Double blind procedure

Answer 3

Where both participants and the experimenter do not know details of the study, such as which condition participants are in.

Question 4

Control group/condition

Answer 4

The group of participants or the condition that acts as a baseline to compare the experimental group/condition with.

Question 5

Naturalistic observations

Answer 5

Observation study that takes place in the environment/context in which the target behaviour would naturally occur

Question 6

Controlled observation

Answer 6

Observation study in which some variables are controlled.

Question 7

Covert observation

Answer 7

Observation study in which the participants are unaware they are being observed for a study and do not know the aim. The experimenters may be hidden.

Question 8

Overt observation

Answer 8

Observation study in which participants know they are being observed and may know the behaviour that is being observed too.

Question 9

Participant observation study

Answer 9

Observation study where the experimenter becomes involved in the group they are studying.

Question 10

Non-participant observation study

Answer 10

Observation in which the experimenter remains separate from the group they are studying and does not get involved.

Question 11

Unstructured observation study

Answer 11

Observation study whereby the observer writes down and records all the behaviours they see in as much detail as possible.

Question 12

Structured observation study

Answer 12

Observation study where the behaviours being observed are simplified by using pre-determined behaviour categories or sampling techniques.

Question 13

Behavioural categories

Answer 13

Target behaviours are broken down into more discrete categories.

Question 14

Event sampling

Answer 14

A technique in observation studies where the number of times a specific behavioural category occurs is counted every times it happens.

Question 15

Time sampling

Answer 15

A technique in which behaviour is recorded within a pre-determined time frame, such as every 30 seconds.