Yr 1 research methods - Experimental method, variables, design

Question 1

Define an aim in psychological research

Answer 1

A general statement that describes the purpose of an investigation

Question 2

What is an experimental hypothesis

Answer 2

A statement that predicts how one variable will affect the other

Question 3

Define a directional experimental hypothesis

Answer 3

An hypothesis that predicts the difference you expect to find. They use words such as ‘more’, ‘higher’, ‘less’, ‘faster’

Question 4

What is a non-directional hypothesis

Answer 4

This hypothesis just states that there will be a difference between the conditions, but doesn’t predict what this difference will be

Question 5

Variable

Answer 5

Any factor that can vary or change within an experiment

Question 6

Independent variable (IV)

Answer 6

An aspect of the situation that is varied by the experiment

Question 7

Dependent variable (DV)

Answer 7

The variable that is measured by the researcher. This change should have been caused by the IV

Question 8

What does operationalisation of variable mean

Answer 8

Clearly defining variables as to how they can be measured. E.g. obedience measured by how many volts P’s went to in the Milgram study.

Question 9

When would psychologists choose a directional hypothesis

Answer 9

If there is previous research in the area that supports a particular outcome

Question 10

What are levels of the IV

Answer 10

This means that you have conditions to compare against each other in your study. For example, the experimental condition vs the control condition are 2 levels of the IV

Question 11

Extraneous variables

Answer 11

Any other factors that could potentially interfere with either the IV or the DV

Question 12

What is a confounding variable

Answer 12

Any variable, other than the IV, that may have had an effect on the DV in a way that wasn’t intended. They change systematically with the IV. E.g. An extravert personality in a study about the effect of red bull on chattiness levels! This means they confound your results.

Question 13

Demand characteristics

Answer 13

Clues in the experimental situation that give away what the the experimenter’s intention is in the study

Question 14

Participant reactivity

Answer 14

The way that participants try to make sense of the situation they find themselves in in the study

Question 15

Investigator effects

Answer 15

Any unwanted influence of the researcher on the investigation outcome. For example, use of leading questions, Non-verbal communication, instructions given

Question 16

Randomisation

Answer 16

A technique that helps to reduce the effects of extraneous and confounding variables. For example, randomising the order of words in a memory test

Question 17

Standardisation

Answer 17

This means ensuring that all participants in a study have the same instructions, environment and experience, other than the planned changes in the IV

Question 18

Participant variables

Answer 18

Any individual differences between participants that May affect the DV

Question 19

Situational variables

Answer 19

Any features of the experimental situation that may affect the DV

Question 20

Experimental design

Answer 20

Refers to how the testing of participants is arranged according in relation to the different experimental conditions

Question 21

Independent groups design

Answer 21

A design of experiment where separate groups of participants experience different levels of the IV, e.g experimental or control condition.

Question 22

Matched pairs design

Answer 22

Participants are paired together on some variable that might be relevant to the experiment, e.g. age, gender. Each member of the pair is then in a separate condition, like independent groups.

Question 23

Repeated measures design

Answer 23

A design of experiment where all participants experience both/all levels of the IV. This means they will do the experimental and control conditions.

Question 24

What are the 2 main weaknesses of the independent groups design

Answer 24

1. Participant variables between groups can cause changes in the DV
2. Less economical because you can only use each participant for one condition

Question 25

What are the 2 main strengths of the independent groups design

Answer 25

1. Order effects are not a problem because participants only experience one condition
2. Demand characteristics are less likely because participants only experience one condition

Question 26

What are the 2 main weaknesses of the repeated measures design

Answer 26

1. Order effects can be a problem because the order in which they do the conditions might have a significant effect on the DV
2. Demand characteristics can be a problem as participants experience both conditions

Question 27

What are the 2 main strengths of the repeated measures design

Answer 27

1. Less participants are needed as they take part in both conditions
2. It controls for participant variables between the 2 conditions

Question 28

What are the 2 main weaknesses of the matched pairs design

Answer 28

1. Some participant variables that haven’t been matched between groups can still cause changes in the DV
2. Less economical because you can only use each participant for one condition

Question 29

What are the 3 main strengths of the matched pairs design

Answer 29

1. Important participant variables can be controlled that might influence the DV
2. Order effects are not a problem because participants only experience one condition
3. Demand characteristics are less likely because participants only experience one condition

Question 30

Random allocation to groups

Answer 30

In independent groups and matched pairs designs, participants are randomly allocated to the different conditions

Question 31

Counterbalancing

Answer 31

This helps to control order effects in repeated measures design by giving half the group condition A then B and the other half condition B then A. (ABBA technique)