Research Methods

• What are the three main types of experimental design?

  Independent Groups, Repeated Measures, Matched Pairs
• In an independent groups design, how many conditions does each participant experience?

  One condition of the independent variable
• If participant A learns a poem with music, what condition are they in?

  Condition 1
• What does 'unrelated data' refer to in independent groups design?

  Data from separate groups generating their own sets
• What is the purpose of random allocation in independent groups design?

  To avoid researcher bias
• What method can be used for random allocation of participants?


  Pulling names from a hat
• Why are demand characteristics less likely in independent groups design?

  Participants only take part in one condition
• What are order effects in repeated measures design?

  Effects from fatigue, boredom, or practice
• What is counterbalancing used for in repeated measures design?

  To avoid order effects
• How does a repeated measures design generate related data?

  Scores from the same participant are compared
• What is a matched pairs design?

  Participants matched on specific characteristics
• Why might MZ twins be used in matched pairs design?

  They create perfect matched pairs
• What is a limitation of matched pairs design?

  Matching is difficult and time-consuming
• How does a matched pairs design control for participant variables?

  By matching participants on important characteristics
• What are the strengths of independent groups design?

  • Reduces demand characteristics
  • Eliminates order effects
  • Increases internal validity
• What are the limitations of independent groups design?

  • Participant variables may affect validity
  • Requires more participants
  • Logistical issues with sample size
• What are the strengths of repeated measures design?

  • Controls participant variables
  • Fewer participants needed
  • Increases internal validity
• What are the limitations of repeated measures design?

  • Demand characteristics may arise
  • Order effects can lower validity
• What are the strengths of matched pairs design?

  • Controls individual differences
  • Reduces demand characteristics
• What are the limitations of matched pairs design?

  • Difficult and time-consuming to match
  • Potential for unmatched variables
  • Replacement issues if a participant drops out
• What must a researcher identify at the beginning of the research process?

  The target population
• What is the relationship between a sample and a target population?

  A sample is taken from a target population
• Why might a sample be more generalized than a target population?

  To include a broader range of participants
• If a researcher studies single teen parents, what type of population do they need?

  A distinct target population
• What age range is generally sufficient for studying short-term memory?

  18-60 years old
• What does a researcher do after drawing a sample for an experiment?

  Generalizes findings across the target population
• What is random sampling?

  A sample taken with the least bias
• How does random sampling ensure fairness in selection?

  Every member has an equal chance of selection
• How can a random sample be achieved?

  By drawing names from a hat
• What is a potential strength of random sampling?

  It eliminates researcher bias
• What is a limitation of random sampling?

  It can be time-consuming and impractical
• What could happen if not everyone selected for a random sample wants to participate?

  The sample may become non-representative
• What does systematic sampling involve?

  Selecting every nth person from a list
• How is the sampling interval calculated in systematic sampling?

  By dividing population size by sample size
• If a population has 100,000 and a sample of 2,500 is needed, what is the sampling interval?

  Every 40th person is selected
• What is a strength of systematic sampling?

  It is quick, easy, and cost-effective
• What is a limitation of systematic sampling?

  It can still be biased due to periodic traits
• What does stratified sampling do?

  Generates a small-scale reproduction of the target population
• How is the target population categorized in stratified sampling?

  According to key characteristics required by research
• If 18% of a population are males aged 30-40, what should the sample reflect?

  18% of males aged 30-40