Psychology Research Methods

• What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?

  The aim is a statement of a study's purpose, while a hypothesis is a testable statement indicating the expected outcome.
• What does the experimental method involve?

  It involves changing one variable to see if it impacts another while controlling other variables.
• How is a hypothesis defined?

  A hypothesis is a precisely worded testable statement made at the outset of an investigation.
• What does operationalisation mean in research?

  Operationalisation means being precise and clear about what is being manipulated or measured.
• What is the purpose of writing a hypothesis?

  • To provide a testable statement
  • To indicate the expected outcome of a study
• What is an experimental hypothesis?

  An experimental hypothesis states the expected effect of the manipulated variable on the outcome and is statistically significant.
• What is the null hypothesis?

  The null hypothesis states that there is no effect in a study.
• What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?

  A directional hypothesis predicts the specific direction of the effect, while a non-directional hypothesis does not specify the direction.
• What is randomisation in research?

  Randomisation is using chance to overcome investigator effects on the design of the study.
• What are order effects in repeated measures design?

  Order effects are influences on participants' performance due to the order in which conditions are presented.
• What are the methods for overcoming investigator effects?

  • Randomisation
  • Counterbalancing
  • Standardisation
• What is standardisation in research?

  Standardisation ensures that participants are in identical conditions during the study.
• What are the types of experimental designs?

  1. Lab Experiment
  2. Field Experiment
  3. Natural Experiment
  4. Quasi Experiment
• What is a lab experiment?

  A lab experiment is conducted in a controlled setting with variables controlled.
• What is a field experiment?

  A field experiment is where the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher in a natural setting.
• What is a natural experiment?

  A natural experiment involves observing the independent and dependent variables without manipulation.
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  A quasi-experiment has an independent variable based on an already existing variable between participants.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different experimental designs?

  Advantages:

  • More control over variables
  • More natural and realistic behavior
  • High ecological validity

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Lacks ecological validity
  • Less control over extraneous variables
  • Cannot show cause and effect
• What is generalisability in research?

  Generalisability is the extent to which findings can be applied to a wider population.
• What is ecological validity?

  Ecological validity refers to whether the findings can relate to the real world.
• What is replicability in research?

  Replicability is how many times an experiment can be repeated while still obtaining the same results.
• What are the ethical issues in psychology?

  • Confidentiality & privacy
  • Deception
  • Consent
  • Debrief
  • Risks vs benefits
• What prompted the British Psychological Society to create a code of ethics?

  The Stanford Prison Experiment in 1971 prompted the creation of a code of ethics.
• What is the purpose of the British Psychological Society's code of ethics?

  The code of ethics ensures that research conducted is ethical.
• What is presumptive consent?

  Presumptive consent involves asking a similar group if a study is acceptable to presume consent from participants.
• What is prior general consent?

  Prior general consent allows participants to give permission to take part in multiple studies.
• What is retrospective consent?

  Retrospective consent is obtained after the study has taken place.
• What is the right to withdraw in research?

  The right to withdraw allows participants to leave the study at any time.
• What is the purpose of debriefing in research?

  Debriefing provides an explanation of the full experiment to participants after it has concluded.
• How can confidentiality be maintained in research?

  Confidentiality can be maintained by using codes instead of names and protecting data.
• What are the policies for ethical research?

  • Write PII for the experiment
  • Use codes for participant identification
  • Alert participants to available help
  • Provide debriefing
• What is the importance of having a representative sample in research?

  A representative sample ensures that findings can be generalized to the wider population.
• What is random sampling?

  Random sampling gives every person in the target population an equal chance of being selected.
• What is specificity in sampling?

  Specificity in sampling refers to a small and defined group with clear criteria and boundaries.
• What are the strengths and limitations of random sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Equal chance of selection
  • Free from researcher bias

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Difficult to obtain a complete target population
  • Not always clear or easy to check
• What are the strengths and limitations of specificity in sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Focus on precise results
  • Saves time

  
  

  Limitations:

  • May not represent the entire population
  • Needs specific input from the researcher
• What is the dilemma in weighing risks versus benefits in research?

  The dilemma involves balancing the potential costs against the benefits of the research.
• What is the significance of the distance between cost and benefit in research?

  The distance between cost and benefit represents the ethical dilemma researchers face.
• What is the role of the researcher in ensuring ethical standards?

  The researcher must adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure participant welfare throughout the study.
• What is the importance of participant debriefing?

  Participant debriefing is important for explaining the study and addressing any participant concerns.