Research Methods EQ’s

• Discuss one or more ethical implications of research in Psychology

  • bias created
  • effects of research on participants
  • use of findings in the media
  • use of findings in government
• Write a full reference for this book as it should appear in the reference section of a researchers report

  Duck, S. (1992) Human relationships. London. Sage
• Briefly explain one reason why it’s important for research to be replicated

  The likelihood of the same differences occurring twice by chance alone are smaller than when they occur the first time

  Effects that occur in the study are more likely to be reliable if they occur in a repeat. Replication increases external reliability
• Briefly outline two problems arising from making generalisations on the basis of psychological research findings

  one culture to another/ecological validity
• Outline what is meant by peer review

  the process by which psychological research papers are subjected to independent scrutiny by other psychologists in the same field before it is published. it is considered in terms of validity, significance and originality
• Explain why peer review is important in psychological research

  Provides way of checking validity and judging credibility. Assessing quality and appropriate design/methodology. Originality. Recommend whether is should be published, rejected or revised. Ensures integrity of psychological research
• Explain why the teachers personal opinion cannot be accepted as scientific evidence

  opinion is different from scientific evidence

  teacher has only experienced one school in one area - issues of sampling

  no corroborative evidence from parents, children may say their meal isn't nourishing just because they dislike it - objectivity

  vague phrases like 'decent breakfast' - operationalisation

  no scientific method like experiment or observation

  other variables may affect reading skills and behaviour
• The psychologist used a random sampling method. Explain how he could have obtained his sample using this method

  manual selection

  researcher puts each name or number on a separate slip of paper and place them in a container

  the researcher selects 100 slips randomly, with the container being shaken and the slips folded exactly the same to ensure none feel different than the others. the selector is also blindfolded whilst doing so to ensure it is truly random