research methods

• What does the experimental method involve?

  Manipulation of an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
• 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 clearly states the relationship between variables.
• 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 is a non-directional hypothesis?

  A hypothesis that does not specify the direction of the relationship between variables.
• How would you operationalise a directional hypothesis?

  By clearly defining how the variables are measured.
• What is the independent variable (IV)?

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

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

  To ensure that the effect on the DV is solely due 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 refer to?

  Clearly defining variables in terms of how they are measured.
• What is an example of operationalisation in a hypothesis?

  Defining the number of questions in a memory test for measuring performance.
• What are extraneous variables?

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

  A variable that systematically changes with the IV and affects the DV.
• How can time of day act as a confounding variable in a sleep study?

  It may affect participants' tiredness and memory performance.
• 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.
• How do demand characteristics affect research validity?

  They can lead to unnatural behavior, affecting the validity of results.
• What are investigator effects?

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

  The use of chance to reduce bias from investigator effects.
• What does standardisation mean 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
  • Precise replication possible
  • Greater accuracy in results

  
  

  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 external validity due to real-life settings
  • Opportunities for research that may be impractical or unethical in labs

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Less control over extraneous variables
  • Potential for confounding variables
• What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Useful for studying naturally occurring variables
  • Can provide insights into real-world issues

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Lack of control over the IV
  • Difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships
• What are the strengths and limitations of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity
  • Useful for studying variables that cannot be manipulated

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Lack of control over extraneous variables
  • Difficult to replicate
• 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.
• What is a single-blind procedure?

  A method where participants do not know if they are receiving a test or control treatment.
• What is a double-blind procedure?

  A method where neither participants nor researchers know who receives which treatment.
• What is the role of a control group in an experiment?

  To set a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.
• What are the types of observational techniques?

  1. Naturalistic observation

  • Watching behavior in a natural setting

  1. Controlled observation

  • Watching behavior in a structured environment

  1. Overt observation

  • Participants are aware they are being observed
• What are the strengths and limitations of naturalistic observation?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity
  • High external validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low control over extraneous variables
  • Potential for demand characteristics
• What are the strengths and limitations of controlled observation?

  Strengths:

  • More control over variables
  • Easy replication

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low ecological validity
  • Unnatural behavior may be observed
• What is the main goal of randomisation in research?

  To reduce bias from investigator effects.
• What are the strengths and limitations of overt observation?

  Strengths:

  • Ethical as informed consent is given
  • Researcher can focus on specific behaviors

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low ecological validity if participants know they are being watched
  • Potential for demand characteristics