Research methods

• What is operationalisation in research?

  Clearly defining variables in terms of how they are measured in a study.
• What is the independent variable in a study?

  The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.
• What is the dependent variable in a study?

  The variable that is measured by the researcher.
• What does a hypothesis represent in research?

  A prediction of what the researcher thinks will happen in their study.
• What are the three types of hypothesis?

  Directional, non-directional, and null.
• What is a directional hypothesis?

  A prediction that specifies a measured difference using terms like more or less.
• Give an example of a directional hypothesis.

  Participants who drink 500ml of energy drink will perform better on a memory test compared to those who drink 500ml of water.
• What is a non-directional hypothesis?

  A prediction that suggests there is a difference but does not specify what it is.
• Provide an example of a non-directional hypothesis.

  There will be a difference in memory test scores between participants who drank energy drink and those who drank water.
• What does a null hypothesis suggest?

  There is no difference between the two conditions.
• Give an example of a null hypothesis.

  There will be no difference in memory test scores between participants who drank energy drink and those who drank water.
• What is a target population in research?

  The group of people the researcher is interested in studying.
• Why is a smaller sample chosen instead of the target population?

  It is not economical to use a sample as large as the target population.
• What is the goal of sampling methods?

  To create a sample that is representative of the target population.
• What is a random sampling method?

  Each participant has the same chance of being chosen.
• What is a strength of random sampling?

  There is no researcher bias as everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
• What is a limitation of random sampling?

  It can be time-consuming to create a list and choose numbers.
• What is opportunity sampling?

  The researcher chooses a sample that is readily available at the time and place.
• What is a strength of opportunity sampling?

  It is quick and cost-effective as people are available at that moment.
• What is a limitation of opportunity sampling?

  It may lead to volunteer bias as only certain people will volunteer.
• What is volunteer sampling?

  Participants select themselves, usually in response to an advertisement.
• What is a strength of volunteer sampling?

  It is less time-consuming for the researcher.
• What is a limitation of volunteer sampling?

  It may lead to volunteer bias as only certain people will volunteer.
• What is systematic sampling?

  A predetermined system to select every nth participant from a list.
• What is a strength of systematic sampling?

  There is no researcher bias as they have no control over selection.
• What is a limitation of systematic sampling?

  Not everyone has a fair chance of being selected if the original list has a hidden pattern.
• What is stratified sampling?

  Subgroups within the population are selected in proportion to their occurrence in the actual population.
• What is a strength of stratified sampling?

  It produces a representative sample as it reflects the proportions of subgroups in the population.
• What is a limitation of stratified sampling?

  It can be time-consuming to calculate the proportions needed.
• What is a cost-benefit analysis in research?

  Researchers weigh up costs and benefits to decide whether a study should go ahead.
• What are the benefits considered in a cost-benefit analysis?

  The value or groundbreaking nature of the research and maintaining natural behavior of participants.
• What are the costs considered in a cost-benefit analysis?

  Damaging effects on individual participants or to the reputation of psychological studies.
• What is informed consent in research?

  Participants must be given all information about the study so they can fully consent.
• How can informed consent be obtained?

  By gaining retrospective consent in a post-study debrief.
• What is deception in research?

  Researchers must avoid misleading participants and not withhold information.
• How can researchers address deception?

  During a debrief, participants should be told when, why, and how they were deceived.
• What is the right to withdraw in research?

  Participants have the right to withdraw themselves and their data from the study if they become distressed.
• How can researchers ensure the right to withdraw?

  Participants should be given the right to withdraw themselves and their data at all times.
• What does protection from harm mean in research?

  Researchers must ensure all participants are protected from physical and psychological harm.
• How can researchers protect participants from harm?

  Participants can withdraw at any time if it is too distressing, and researchers should provide counseling if needed.