Research methods

• What does the experimental method involve?

  The manipulation of an independent variable (IV) to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV).
• What are the types of experiments mentioned in the experimental method?

  Field, laboratory, quasi, and natural experiments.
• What is an aim in research?

  A general statement about what the researcher plans to investigate.
• How are aims developed in research?

  Aims are developed from theories and previous similar research.
• What is a hypothesis?

  A precise statement that describes the relationship between the variables being investigated.
• What are the two types of hypotheses?

  Directional and non-directional hypotheses.
• What would be a directional hypothesis regarding sleep and memory performance?

  "The more sleep a participant has, the better their memory performance."
• What would be a non-directional hypothesis regarding sleep and memory performance?

  "The difference in the amount of hours of sleep a participant has will affect their memory performance."
• When is a directional hypothesis typically used?

  When previous research suggests a particular outcome.
• What is the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

  The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
• What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  The variable that is measured and is affected by changes in the IV.
• Why is it important to control extraneous variables?

  To ensure that any effect on the DV is due solely to the IV.
• What are the two conditions needed to test the effect of the IV?

  The experimental condition and the control condition.
• What does operationalisation of variables mean?

  Clearly defining the variables in terms of how they are measured.
• How can a hypothesis be operationalised?

  By specifying measurable outcomes, such as test scores.
• What are extraneous variables?

  Variables that are not the IV but can affect the DV.
• What is a confounding variable?

  A variable that systematically varies with the IV and affects the DV.
• How can a confounding variable affect the results of a study?

  It can obscure the true relationship between the IV and DV.
• What are demand characteristics?

  Cues that make participants guess the aim of the investigation.
• What is participant reactivity?

  When participants change their behavior due to cues from the researcher.
• What is the 'Please-U effect'?

  When participants act in a way they think the researcher wants.
• What is the 'screw-U effect'?

  When participants intentionally underperform to sabotage results.
• What are investigator effects?

  Unwanted influences from the researcher's behavior on the DV.
• What is randomisation in research?

  The use of chance to reduce bias from investigator effects.
• What is standardisation in research?

  Using the same procedures and instructions for all participants.
• What are the strengths and limitations of laboratory experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High degree of control over variables
  • Greater accuracy and replication possible

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Experimenter's bias can affect results
  • Low ecological validity due to artificial settings
• What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity with natural behaviors
  • Controlled IV

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Ethical concerns regarding privacy
  • Loss of control over extraneous variables
• What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Controlled conditions enhance replicability
  • Likely to have high internal validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cannot randomly allocate participants
  • Potential confounding variables present
• What are the strengths and limitations of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Opportunities for research that would be impossible otherwise
  • High external validity with real-life issues

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Rare natural events may limit replicability
  • Difficult to randomise participants
• What is the population in research?

  The group of people from whom the sample is drawn.
• What is opportunity sampling?

  Recruiting participants who are conveniently available at the time of the study.
• What is random sampling?

  A method where all members of the population have an equal chance of being selected.
• What is systematic sampling?

  A method where every nth member is selected from the sampling frame.
• What is stratified sampling?

  A method where the sample reflects the proportions of subgroups within the population.
• What is volunteer sampling?

  A method where participants self-select to take part in the study.
• What are the strengths and limitations of independent groups design?

  Strengths:

  • No order effects present
  • Less likely to guess the aims of the study

  
  

  Limitations:

  • No control over participant variables
  • Requires more participants than other designs
• What are the strengths and limitations of repeated measures design?

  Strengths:

  • Eliminates participant variables
  • Fewer participants needed

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Order effects may be present
  • Counterbalancing can be used to address order effects
• What are the strengths and limitations of matched pairs design?

  Strengths:

  • No order effects
  • Demand characteristics are less of a problem

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Time-consuming and expensive to match participants
  • Difficult to know which variables to match on
• What is a pilot study?

  A small-scale version of an investigation conducted before the real study.
• What is the purpose of a pilot study?

  To identify potential problems and modify the procedure before the main study.