research methods

• What is a general expression of what the researcher intends to investigate?

  Aims
• What does it mean to operationalise a hypothesis?

  It means to clearly define and make it measurable
• What is a directional hypothesis?

  A hypothesis that states whether changes are greater or lesser
• When is a non-directional hypothesis used?

  When there is no theory or previous research suggesting a direction
• What are extraneous variables (EVs)?

  Variables that may make it difficult to detect an effect
• What are confounding variables (CVs)?

  Variables that change systematically with the IV, affecting the DV
• What are demand characteristics?

  Cues from the researcher or situation that may reveal the study's aim
• What are investigator effects?

  Effects of the investigator's behavior on the outcome of the research
• What is randomisation in research design?

  The use of chance to control for bias in participant allocation
• What does standardisation mean in research?

  Using the same procedures for all participants to control extraneous variables
• What is the purpose of pilot studies?

  To trial run procedures and modify the research design
• What is the role of control groups in research?

  To provide a baseline for comparison and help establish causation
• What is a single-blind study?

  A study where participants do not know the aims to reduce demand characteristics
• What is a double-blind study?

  A study where both participants and researchers do not know the aims
• What is an independent groups design?

  A design where different participants are assigned to different conditions
• What are the advantages of independent groups design?

  Controls order effects and reduces the likelihood of guessing the aim
• What is a laboratory experiment?

  A controlled environment where extraneous variables are minimized
• What is a natural experiment?

  An experiment where the IV is not manipulated but observed in a naturally occurring change
• What is a field experiment?

  An experiment conducted in a natural setting where participants are unaware of the IV manipulation
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  An experiment based on pre-existing differences between people without manipulation of the IV
• What is the population in research?

  The large group of people that a researcher is interested in studying
• What is a sample in research?

  A smaller group selected from the population for the study
• What is generalisation in research?

  The ability to apply findings from a sample to the larger population
• What is a random sample?

  A sample where every person has an equal chance of being selected
• What is a systematic sample?

  A sample where participants are selected using a set system from a sampling frame
• What is a stratified sample?

  A sample that reflects the proportions of different groups within the population
• What is an opportunity sample?

  A sample made up of participants who are readily available
• What is a volunteer sample?

  A sample where participants select themselves to take part
• What is informed consent?

  Participants are fully informed about the study and agree to take part
• What is the BPS code of conduct?

  A legal basis for ethical research based on respect, competence, and integrity
• What is a scattergram?

  A graph that illustrates the strength and direction of an association between two variables
• What is the difference between correlations and experiments?

  In experiments, the IV is manipulated; in correlations, there is no manipulation
• What is an intervening variable?

  An unmeasured variable that could explain the relationship between two other variables
• What are observational techniques?

  A way of learning what people do without asking them directly
• What is naturalistic observation?

  Observation in a natural setting where the target behavior occurs
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High internal validity
  • Easy to replicate
  • Greater control over variables

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Demand characteristics may affect results
  • Low external validity
  • Participants are aware they are being studied
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Ethical and practical for certain investigations
  • Results may be generalisable to larger populations

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficult to control extraneous variables
  • IV may not occur naturally
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Higher external validity
  • Participants behave more naturally

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficult to control extraneous variables
  • Ethical issues regarding informed consent
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Useful for studying pre-existing differences
  • Can explore effects when manipulation is unethical

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • No random allocation of participants
  • Cause and effect cannot be definitively established
• What are the types of sampling methods?

  1. Random sample
  2. Systematic sample
  3. Stratified sample
  4. Opportunity sample
  5. Volunteer sample