Psychology - Research Methods

• What are the two main components studied in experimental methods?

  Independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV)
• What are the characteristics of a laboratory experiment?

  • High levels of control
  • Conducted in a controlled environment (e.g., lab)
  • Uses specified equipment and guidelines
  • Observes effects of IV on DV
• Where does a field experiment take place?

  In realistic settings such as workplaces, schools, or streets
• What is the main purpose of conducting a field experiment?

  To improve realism in the research
• What distinguishes a natural experiment from other experimental methods?

  It studies naturally occurring events not controlled by the researcher
• In a natural experiment, what occurs naturally?

  The independent variable (IV)
• What is a quasi-experiment characterized by?

  It involves an independent variable that is not manipulated by the researcher
• What are the features of non-experimental methods?

  • Focus on observing behaviors or events
  • Include methods like observations, interviews, and questionnaires
  • Do not manipulate variables
• What is the purpose of observations in psychological research?

  To study observable behavior in natural or controlled settings
• What is the difference between structured and unstructured interviews?

  Structured interviews follow a set format, while unstructured interviews are more flexible
• What is the main goal of using questionnaires in research?

  To gain information from large numbers of people quickly and efficiently
• What does the term "4 PPS" refer to in psychological research?

  Participants
• What is the purpose of correlation in psychological research?

  To analyze the strength of the relationship between two variables
• What types of data can correlation analyze?

  Quantitative data from various methods
• What are the key features of correlation analysis?

  • Measures the strength of the relationship between two variables (V1 and V2)
  • Can analyze data from different methods (labs, interviews, field, etc.)
• What are the two main types of observation outlined in the study material?

  Overt observation and covert observation
• What are the two types of overt observation?

  • Participant observation
  • Non-participant observation
• What are behavioral categories in observational design?

  Key behaviors or collections of behavior that the researcher will pay attention to and record
• What is the difference between event sampling and time sampling?

  • Event sampling: Records target behavior every time it occurs
  • Time sampling: Observes behavior at predetermined time intervals
• What is a controlled observation?

  An observation study where researchers control some variables, often in a laboratory setting
• What is a covert observation?

  An undisclosed observation where participants do not know their behavior is being observed
• What is event sampling in observational studies?

  A method where a target behavior is identified and recorded every time it occurs
• What is naturalistic observation?

  An observation study conducted in the environment where the behavior normally occurs
• What is observer bias?

  When observers allow their knowledge of the study's aims to influence their observations
• What is overt observation also known as?

  Disclosed observation
• What is participant observation?

  An observation study where the researcher joins the group or situation they are observing
• What is structured observation?

  An observation study using a predetermined coding scheme to record participants' behavior
• What is unstructured observation?

  An observation where there is no checklist, and every behavior is written down in detail
• What are the key differences between structured and unstructured observation?

  • Structured observation:
  • Uses predetermined coding scheme
  • Focuses on specific behaviors
  • Unstructured observation:
  • No checklist
  • Records all behaviors in detail
• What do observational techniques in scientific study focus on?

  Particular categories of behaviours or events
• What is included in a research plan for observational techniques?

  Events to be observed and a hypothesis to guide observations
• What is the difference between naturalistic observation and a natural experiment?

  Naturalistic observations do not have independent and dependent variables
• What are the two types of observation focused on in the study material?

  1. Naturalistic observation
  2. Controlled observation
• What is the aim of naturalistic observation?

  To observe naturally occurring behaviours in their natural setting
• What are the two types of awareness participants may have during naturalistic observation?

  Overt and covert
• What is a behaviour schedule in naturalistic observation?

  A checklist of precisely defined behaviours to be observed
• Give an example of a behaviour that might be included in a checklist for observing aggressive behaviours in children.

  Biting
• What are the advantages of naturalistic observation?

  • Realism and natural behaviour
  • High external validity
  • Low demand characteristics and investigator effects
• What are the disadvantages of naturalistic observation?

  • Lack of control and difficult to replicate
  • Observer bias
• What does lack of control in naturalistic observation imply?

  The researcher cannot control variables affecting the behaviour