Pyschology - research methods

• What is the independent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter
• How does the independent variable affect the dependent variable?

  It is altered to observe its effects on the dependent variable
• If the independent variable is the duration of revision time, what are two possible values for it?

  5 minutes or 30 minutes of revision time
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is measured by the experimenter
• What is an example of a dependent variable in a recall test?

  Score out of 10 on a recall test
• What is an extraneous variable?

  Any variable other than the independent variable that might affect the dependent variable
• Why should extraneous variables be controlled in an experiment?

  To prevent them from becoming confounding variables
• What is a confounding variable?

  Any variable other than the independent variable that does affect the dependent variable
• How can a confounding variable affect the results of an experiment?

  It can make it unclear which variable is responsible for changes in the dependent variable
• In the example given, what could be a confounding variable affecting test scores?

  Level of alertness
• What does operationalisation of variables mean?

  Defining variables clearly so they can be specifically tested and measured accurately
• How would you operationalise "short bursts of revision"?

  Define it as 5 minutes of revision
• What is a participant variable?

  An individual's difference in characteristics
• Why are participant variables important in experiments?

  They can influence the results and should be controlled
• What is the purpose of random allocation in experimental methods?

  To allocate participants to groups in an unbiased way
• How does random allocation improve internal validity?

  It evenly distributes participant characteristics across conditions
• In an independent groups design, how can random allocation be implemented?

  By assigning participants numbers and using a random number generator
• What is counterbalancing used for in experimental methods?

  To control for the impact of order effects in repeated measures design
• How does counterbalancing improve internal validity?

  It ensures each condition comes first or second in equal amounts
• What is a limitation of counterbalancing in repeated measures design?

  Order effects are still present, but balanced across conditions
• What does randomisation refer to in experimental design?

  Using chance to decide the order of conditions and materials
• Why is randomisation important in experimental methods?

  It helps avoid researcher bias and improves internal validity
• How can randomisation be applied in a memory experiment?

  By randomly generating the order of words to be learned
• What is the purpose of standardisation in experimental methods?

  To ensure all participants have the same environment and experience
• How does standardisation improve internal validity?

  It prevents individual experiences from confounding the results
• What should standardised procedures include in an experiment?

  A set of standardised instructions given to all participants
• How do standardised procedures help in dealing with investigator effects?

  They ensure all participants are tested under the same conditions
• What are the key methods to control variables in experimental research?

  • Random Allocation: Unbiased group assignment
  • Counterbalancing: Balancing order effects
  • Randomisation: Using chance in design
  • Standardisation: Ensuring uniform conditions
• What are the effects of using randomisation in experimental design?

  • Reduces researcher bias
  • Improves internal validity
  • Ensures fair distribution of conditions
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of counterbalancing?

  Strengths:

  • Controls for order effects
  • Balances conditions across participants

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Order effects still present
  • Requires more complex design
• What is the purpose of taking more than one measurement from each participant in an experiment?

  To reduce the impact of any anomalous score
• How do pilot studies contribute to the reliability of experiments?

  They check if the proposed method and measurements work properly
• What is one way to improve ecological validity in experiments?

  Conduct the experiment in a more naturalistic setting
• What is population validity and how can it be improved?

  It refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized to a larger population, improved by taking larger, varied samples
• What are demand characteristics in an experimental context?

  Cues that make participants aware of what the research wants to find
• How can demand characteristics affect participant behavior?

  They can lead participants to change their behavior based on perceived expectations
• What is a confounding variable in the context of demand characteristics?

  A variable that occurs when participants change their behavior due to demand characteristics
• What is participant reactivity in research?

  It refers to changes in behavior due to awareness of being observed
• What is one example of participant reactivity?

  Trying to guess the purpose of the research and acting accordingly
• What is social desirability bias?

  It is the tendency of participants to present themselves in a favorable light