research methods

• What does the experimental method involve?

  Manipulation of an independent variable
• What is the purpose of manipulating the independent variable?

  To observe its effect on the dependent variable
• What are the types of experiments mentioned?

  Field, laboratory, quasi, natural
• What is an aim in research?

  A general statement of the study's purpose
• How are aims developed in research?

  From theories and similar research readings
• What is a hypothesis?

  A precise statement about variable relationships
• What distinguishes a directional hypothesis from a non-directional hypothesis?

  A directional hypothesis states the relationship's direction
• When is a directional hypothesis typically used?

  When previous research suggests a specific outcome
• What is the independent variable (IV)?

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

  The variable measured in response to the IV
• Why must extraneous variables be controlled?

  To ensure the IV is the only factor affecting the DV
• What are the two conditions needed to test the IV's effect?

  Experimental condition and control condition
• What does operationalisation refer to?

  Defining variables in measurable terms
• What are extraneous variables?

  Variables that affect the DV but are not IV
• What are confounding variables?

  Variables that systematically affect the DV
• Why is operationalisation important in hypotheses?

  It ensures clarity in how variables are measured
• What is the 'Please-U effect'?

  Participants act as they think researchers want
• What are demand characteristics?

  Cues that influence participant behavior in research
• What is participant reactivity?

  When participants change behavior due to cues
• What is the 'screw-U effect'?

  Participants intentionally underperform in studies
• How do demand characteristics affect research validity?

  They can lead to unnatural participant behavior
• What are investigator effects?

  Unwanted influences from the researcher's behavior
• How can randomisation help in research?

  It reduces bias from investigator effects
• What does standardisation ensure in research?

  Consistent procedures for all participants
• What are the strengths and limitations of laboratory experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High control over variables
  • Greater accuracy and replication

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Experimenter's bias may affect results
  • Low ecological validity due to artificial settings
• What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity
  • Naturalistic behaviors observed

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Ethical concerns like invasion of privacy
  • Loss of control over extraneous variables
• What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Controlled conditions enhance replicability
  • Likely high internal validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cannot randomly allocate participants
  • Confounding variables may be present
• What are the strengths and limitations of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Opportunities for research on real-life issues
  • High external validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Rare natural events may limit replicability
  • Difficult to randomise participants
• What is the population in research?

  The group from which the sample is drawn
• What is opportunity sampling?

  Recruiting participants who are conveniently available
• What is random sampling?

  Every member has an equal chance of selection
• What is systematic sampling?

  Every nth member is selected from the sampling frame
• What is stratified sampling?

  Sample reflects proportions of subgroups in population
• What is volunteer sampling?

  Participants self-select to take part in the study
• What are the strengths and limitations of independent groups design?

  Strengths:

  • No order effects present
  • Less likely to guess study aims

  
  

  Limitations:

  • No control over participant variables
  • Requires more participants for data
• What are the strengths and limitations of repeated measures design?

  Strengths:

  • Eliminates participant variables
  • Fewer participants needed

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Order effects may occur
  • Boredom can affect performance
• What are the strengths and limitations of matched pairs design?

  Strengths:

  • No order effects present
  • Demand characteristics are less of a problem

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Time-consuming and expensive to match
  • Large participant pool needed
• What is a pilot study?

  A small-scale version of an investigation
• What is the purpose of a pilot study?

  To identify potential problems before the main study
• What is a single-blind procedure?

  Participants are unaware of their treatment group