Research Methods 🖋

• Aim: Discusses the purpose of the experiment, its a statement which includes the variables being studied.
• Hypothesis: A statement displaying a probable outcome on the investigation.
• 3 Key things to add in a Hypothesis:

  • The IV - Independent Variable.
  • The DV - Dependent Variable.
  • Comparison of the experimental and control group.
• Independent Variable (IV): The factor manipulated by the researcher
• Dependent variable (DV): The factor that is measured or recorded as an effect of the independent variable.
• Control Group: Participants who are not exposed to the independent variable but still have their dependent variable measured
• Experimental Group: Participants who are exposed to the independent variable and also have their dependent variable measured.
• Investigation Aim: To investigate the effect of the presence of a stimulus on the rate of reaction.
• Investigation Question: What is the effect of the presence of a particular substance on the rate of a reaction?
• Extraneous Variable: A variable that is not controlled by the researcher.
• Confounding Variable: A variable that is not controlled for in a study but affects the results.
• Sample: A small part of a population that is used to represent the whole population.
• Population: The total number of individuals of a species in a particular area at a given time.
• Random Sampling: A sampling technique that involves selecting a sample from a population by using a random method.
• Stratified Sampling: A sampling technique that involves dividing a population into subgroups and then selecting a sample from each subgroup.
• Allocation: The process of assigning a value to each item in a list or array.
• Investigation Design: A framework which may determine how participants experience the experimental and/or control conditions.
• Which conditions are participants allocated to in a:

  • between subject design: Only one, (one group is experimental group and the other is the control group).
  • within subject design: Complete both conditions, (control and experimental group).
• Mixed Designs: A design that combines two or more experimental designs. (Between and Within subject design).
• Controlled Experiment Aim: To investigate the effect of a variable on a dependent variable.
• Case Study: The case study is a method of inquiry that involves the collection and analysis of data from a single individual or small group.
• Classification & Identification: Classification is used to organise human behaviours mental processes and events groups into common groupings with similar features. Meanwhile identification is used to recognize phenomenons belonging to particular sets, or being part of new/unique sets.
• Correlational Study: A study that examines the relationship between two or more variables.
• Fieldwork Investigations: A type of investigation that involves the collection of data in the field.
• Literature Review: A summary of the existing literature on a topic, including the authors, the date, and the topic.
• Modelling & Stimulation: A technique used to help a person understand how their behaviour affects others.
• Product, Process or System Development: The process of developing a new product, process or system.
• Integrity: The quality of being honest and trustworthy.
• Justice: The state of being fair and impartial, especially in the administration of law and the enforcement of rights.
• Benefience: Commiting to maxismising the benefits in an investigation while minimising any risks or harm.
• Non-malefience: The means taken in order to avoid causing any harm.
• Respect: The ability to show consideration and understanding for others.
• Confidentiality: The right to keep information private and not to disclose it to anyone without permission.
• Voluntary Participation: The individual has the freedom to participate or not.
• Informed Consent: A patient must be given information about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
• 3 things in informed consent:

  • Nature and Purpose of the study.
  • Methods of collecting data.
  • Any potential risks in participating.
• When can a participant with drawl?

  Whenever they choose.
• When is deception used in research?

  To protect participant confidentiality or to minimize bias in data collection.
• Debriefing: A process of debriefing is a process of debriefing is a process of explaining to a participant the purpose of the study and the procedures used
• Primary Data: Data that is collected by the researcher and not previously collected by others.