Research methods

• What are the three main aims of researchers in research design?

  To be valid, reliable, and ethical
• What is an independent variable (IV)?

  It is deliberately changed in research
• What is a dependent variable (DV)?

  It is what is being measured in research
• What does operationalisation refer to in research?

  Defining variables in measurable terms
• What is a testable hypothesis?

  A clear statement of variable relationships
• What are extraneous variables (EVs)?

  Unwanted variables affecting the DV
• What should only cause a change in the DV?

  The independent variable (IV)
• What is a target population?

  The group of people being studied
• What is random sampling?

  Equal chance for all members to be selected
• What is opportunity sampling?

  Selecting whoever is available for the study
• What is systematic sampling?

  Selecting participants at regular intervals
• What is stratified sampling?

  Sampling that represents subgroups in the population
• What is a standardised procedure in research?

  Using the same methods for all participants
• What is randomisation in research design?

  Using chance to control bias effects
• What is informed consent in research?

  Participants are informed and can withdraw
• What is deception in research?

  Leading participants to believe false information
• What is privacy in research?

  Participants control information about themselves
• What is confidentiality in research?

  Personal data must be kept secure
• What are BPS guidelines?

  A code of conduct for UK psychologists
• How should deception be handled in research?

  Participants should be debriefed after the study
• How should informed consent be dealt with?

  Participants sign a form explaining expectations
• How should privacy and confidentiality be managed?

  Data should be anonymous or coded
• What is reliability in research?

  Consistency of results across trials
• What is validity in research?

  Whether results reflect real-world behavior
• What is the challenge of representativeness in sampling methods?

  Sample may not represent the population accurately
• What are the strengths of repeated measures design?

  No participant variables, fewer participants needed
• What are the weaknesses of repeated measures design?

  Order effects could affect results
• What are the strengths of independent groups design?

  No order effects since participants do it once
• What are the weaknesses of independent groups design?

  Participant variables can act as extraneous variables
• What are the strengths of matched pairs design?

  No order effects, fewer participants needed
• What are the weaknesses of matched pairs design?

  Difficult to match participants exactly
• What are case studies in research?

  In-depth studies of individuals or events
• What are the strengths of case studies?

  Best way to study rare behaviors in depth
• What are the weaknesses of case studies?

  Often lack generalizability due to focus
• What is the difference between natural and controlled observation?

  Natural occurs in normal settings, controlled is manipulated
• What is the difference between covert and overt observation?

  Covert is without participants' awareness
• What is participant versus non-participant observation?

  Participant is when the researcher joins the group
• What is interobserver reliability?

  Agreement between two observers' records
• What are the strengths of observational research?

  Greater validity based on real-life behavior
• What are the weaknesses of observational research?

  Ethical issues and observer bias can arise