research methods

• What is the aim of a research study?

  Statement of what the researcher intends to investigate
• What does IV stand for in an experiment?

  Independent variable
• What is the role of the independent variable (IV)?

  It is manipulated to see effects on another variable
• What does DV stand for in an experiment?

  Dependent variable
• What is the role of the dependent variable (DV)?

  It is measured to see if the IV affected it
• What is a null hypothesis?

  States there is no relationship between variables
• What is an alternative hypothesis?

  States there is a relationship between variables
• How can hypotheses be categorized?

  They can be directional or non-directional
• What is an extraneous variable?

  Affects the results of the experiment
• What are participant variables?

  Characteristics like age and gender
• What is the purpose of standardised instructions in an experiment?

  To ensure all participants receive the same instructions
• What does randomisation help to achieve in an experiment?

  It helps to avoid bias in the study
• What is primary data?

  Data collected by the researcher themselves
• What is secondary data?

  Data collected from someone else's research
• What is qualitative data?

  Data that includes words and observations
• What is quantitative data?

  Data that includes numbers and percentages
• What is a histogram?

  A bar graph where bars touch, showing continuous data
• What is the mean in statistics?

  The average of a set of numbers
• What are ethical issues in research?

  Concerns about what is morally right or wrong
• What is informed consent?

  Participants must have enough information to decide
• What does confidentiality mean in research?

  Participants' identities should be protected
• What is the purpose of debriefing in research?

  To inform participants about the study's purpose
• What does correlation mean in research?

  Relationship between two variables
• What is the difference between correlation and causation?

  Correlation does not imply one causes the other
• What are the types of sampling methods in research?

  • Random sampling
  • Opportunity sampling
  • Systematic sampling
  • Stratified sampling
• What are the types of qualitative research methods?

  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
  • Observations
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sampling methods?

  Strengths:

  • Random: No bias, equal chance
  • Stratified: Most representative

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Random: Time-consuming
  • Opportunity: Likely unrepresentative
  • Systematic: Could still have bias
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of interviews compared to questionnaires?

  Strengths of interviews:

  • Flexible
  • Personal connection

  
  

  Weaknesses of interviews:

  • Time-consuming
  • Potential for bias
• What is inter-observer reliability?

  • Consistency in measurements between observers
  • Important for ensuring data accuracy
• What are the ethical guidelines in research?

  • Informed consent
  • Deception management
  • Protection from harm
  • Privacy and confidentiality
• What is the importance of controlling extraneous variables?

  • Ensures validity of results
  • Reduces bias in the study
• What is the significance of standardised procedures in experiments?

  • Ensures consistency across trials
  • Enhances reliability of results
• What is the role of scattergraphs in data analysis?

  • Visual representation of correlation
  • Helps identify relationships between variables
• What is the difference between a lab experiment and a field experiment?

  • Lab: Controlled environment, high reliability
  • Field: Natural environment, lower control
• What are the types of data in research?

  • Quantitative: Numbers and statistics
  • Qualitative: Words and descriptions
• What is the purpose of using control groups in experiments?

  • To compare against the experimental group
  • Helps isolate the effect of the IV
• What is the significance of ethical considerations in psychological research?

  • Protects participants' rights and well-being
  • Ensures integrity of the research process
• What is the importance of data analysis in research?

  • Helps interpret results
  • Validates findings through statistical methods
• What is the first step in most psychology research?

  Formulate a hypothesis
• What does the term target population refer to?

  The group of people the researcher studies