Research methods

• Generalization is the process of applying findings from one group or setting to another.
• What’s an extraneous variable?

  A variable that could affect ONLY the dependent variable
• What’s a confounding variable ?


  A variable that varies with the independent variable and affects the dependent variable
• What’s an independent variable (IV) ?


  The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment.
• What’s the case study method ?


  A research method that involves in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or situation. Typically longitudinal, conducted by a single researcher, uses a range of methods, carried out in the real world.
• Differences between open and closed questions?


  Open questions allow for a variety of responses and encourage discussion, while closed questions have limited response options and are more focused on obtaining specific information.
• What’s the difference between structured and unstructured interviews?

  Structured interviews have a predetermined set of questions and a standardized scoring system, while unstructured interviews have no set questions and allow for more open-ended responses.
• What’s the self report method?


  A research method where individuals provide information about their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors through interviews, questionnaires, or surveys.
• What are behavioural categories?


  categories that reffer to the operationalised behaviour that represent the general behaviour being observed
• What’s the observational method ?

  The observational method is a research technique where behaviour is observed and recorded in a systematic and objective manner. These recordings are made with behavioural categories and use time sampling or tally
• What’s a non directional hypothesis ?

  predicts there will be a difference or relationship but does not sate the direction
• what’s a directional hypothesis?

  predicts that there will be a difference or relationship and states the direction or this predicted difference/relationship
• What’s a hypothesis?


  A precise and testable prediction about the expected outcome of a study