Research methods

• Types of observational design

  1. Overt + Covert
  2. Controlled + Natural
  3. Participant + Non participant
• Ways observational design can be carried out

  • Structured (predetermined) Unstructured (write down everything)
  • Behavioural categories
  • Event sampling + Time sampling
• Types of sampling

  Random-Every member of target group has equal chance

  Systematic- eg: every fourth person

  Stratified- Sample proportional to target population

  Opportunity- People who are accessible and willing

  Volunteer- People who volunteer
• Ethical issues

  D-deception

  R-right to withdraw

  I-informed consent

  P-protection from harm

  P-privacy and confidentiality
• Types of hypothesis

  Alternative:

  Directional

  Non directional

  Null hypothesis
• Four types of experiments

  Field- manipulating the IV in a more natural setting or environment

  Natural- Researcher takes advantage of a pre existing IV

  Quasi- IV based on existing difference between people

  Laboratory- Held in a highly controlled environment
• Hypothesis


  General statement that clearly states the relationship between variables
• Aim

  General statement that will outline what will be investigated
• Independent variable


  Variable the researcher will change or manipulate
• Dependent variable


  The variable the researcher measures to see if the IV has an impact
• Extraneous variables

  Any other variables that could effect the DV other than the IV
• Confounding variables

  Variables that vary systematically with the IV so can impact both IV and DV
• Pilot studies


  A small version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation takes place
• Operationalisation- Clearly defining variables in how they can be measured
• Experimental Design

  Random allocation- Control for participant variables by randomly allocating participants to a condition

  Independent groups- Different participants are used in each condition

  Matched pairs design- Participants paired up with someone who has similar characteristics then spilt up and assigned to a different condition
• Single blind procedures- Participant unaware of aims of study

  Double blind procedures- both participant and researcher unaware of aims of study
• Types of self report techniques

  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
• Problems with self report techniques

  • Social desirability- Changes responses to look more desirable socially
  • Response bias- Certain people will answer (participant variables)
• Questionnaire desgin

  • C- Clarity, no double negatives
  • B- Bias, no leading questions
  • A-analysis
• Meta analysis- Research methods that use secondary data
• Measures of central tendency

  • Mean
  • Median
  • Mode
• Measures of dispersion

  • Range
  • Standard deviation
• Stages of sign test

  1. State hypothesis (Directional/Non directional
  2. Record data and work out the sign
  3. Find calculated value =s
  4. Find critical value of s
  5. Interoperate the values
  6. Report the conclusions