Research Methods

• What are the two types of hypotheses mentioned in the study material?

  Null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis
• What does a null hypothesis predict?


  That there will be no pattern in the results
• What does an alternative hypothesis predict?


  That there will be a pattern in the results
• What is a variable in research?


  Something that can change
• What are extraneous variables?


  Anything that can affect the results except for the independent and dependent variables
• Why is it important to control extraneous variables?


  To establish cause and effect
• What does standardization in research refer to?


  Using the same procedures, instructions, and materials
• What are the two types of experimental designs mentioned?

  Repeated measures and independent measures
• In repeated measures design, what do all participants do?


  Take part in both conditions of the experiment
• What is an order effect?


  A negative impact on research findings due to boredom, fatigue, or practice
• How do independent measures differ from repeated measures?


  Independent measures involve participants only doing one condition
• What is a disadvantage of repeated measures design?


  Order effects can occur
• What is a disadvantage of independent measures design?


  It requires more participants
• What is the definition of population in research?


  The entire group we want to study
• What is a sample in research?


  A subset of the population
• Why is it important for a sample to be representative of the population?


  To generalize results to the entire population
• What is random sampling?


  Selecting individuals by chance
• What is opportunity sampling?


  Selecting individuals based on convenience
• What is volunteer sampling?


  Participants choose to take part
• What does the British Psychological Society (BPS) oversee?


  Psychological research in Britain
• What does informed consent mean in research?


  Participants know what the study is about and agree to take part
• What is debriefing in research?


  Explaining the study's purpose and findings to participants after it concludes
• What right do participants have regarding withdrawal from a study?


  They can stop participating at any time without detriment
• What is confidentiality in research?


  Ensuring participants' information remains anonymous
• What are the key ethical guidelines set by the BPS for psychological research?


  • Protect participants from psychological harm
  • Obtain informed consent
  • Avoid deception
  • Ensure confidentiality
  • Allow the right to withdraw
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sampling methods?

  Strengths:

  • Random sampling: Reduces bias, representative
  • Opportunity sampling: Quick and easy
  • Volunteer sampling: Minimal effort required

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Random sampling: Time-consuming
  • Opportunity sampling: Unlikely to be representative
  • Volunteer sampling: Potential for bias
• What is the purpose of an experiment in research methods?


  To change the independent variable and measure the dependent variable to establish cause and effect
• What are the three types of experiments?


  • Lab experiments: Controlled environment
  • Field experiments: Realistic environment
  • Natural experiments: Independent variable cannot be manipulated
• What is an example of a lab experiment mentioned in the video?


  Students sitting a math test in a controlled environment with loud music
• How does a field experiment differ from a lab experiment?


  A field experiment is conducted in a realistic environment
• What is a natural experiment?


  It involves measuring the effect of an independent variable that cannot be manipulated
• How would you apply a natural experiment to the math test example?


  Students take the test in a naturally noisy classroom
• What are the evaluation points for experiments?

  • Easy to control extraneous variables
  • Allows consent to be obtained
  • Easy to standardize and replicate
  • Poor ecological validity
• What does poor ecological validity mean?


  Results may not represent real-life situations
• What is an interview in research methods?


  A self-report method where participants provide information directly to the researcher
• What are the two types of interviews mentioned?

  Structured and unstructured interviews
• What characterizes a structured interview?


  Pre-planned questions that do not change during the interview
• What is the advantage of an unstructured interview?


  It allows for more in-depth and rich data collection
• What are the types of self-report methods mentioned?


  • Questionnaires: Can be open or closed
  • Structured interviews: Pre-planned questions
  • Unstructured interviews: Flexible conversation
• What is a closed question in a questionnaire?


  A question with predetermined answers that do not overlap