Psychology - Key Science Skills

• Independent Variable


  The experimental factor that is manipulated in order to measure its effect on the dependent variable.
• Dependent Variable


  The variable is used to observe and measure the effect of the independent variable.
• Extraneous Variable


  In an experiment, a variable other than the IV that might cause unwanted changes in the DV.
• Experimental Group


  The group exposed to the experimental condition where the IV is present.
• Control Group


  The group exposed to the control condition where the IV is absent.
• Sample


  People selected to take part in a study or research and a representative of a population.
• Population


  The larger group of research interest with similar characteristics and the group from which the sample is selected.
• Stratified Sampling


  A sampling technique ensuring that the sample includes all relevant subgroups of the population in the appropriate proportions.
• Random Sampling


  A sampling technique ensuring that every member of a population has an equal chance of bring chosen for the study.
• Hypothesis


  A tentative, testable prediction of the possible relationship between two to more variables.
• Conclusion

  A decision about what the results mean and whether or not they support the hypothesis.
• Generalisation

  To apply the results from a study, to the target a broader and wider population.
• Qualitative Data


  Information from a study that is collected in non-numerical form.
• Quantitive Data

  Information collected in a study that is in numerical form.
• Aim


  A statement about what the psychological research is investigating.
• Ethics

  Moral principals and standards used to distinguish between right and wrong.
• What is the purpose of ethics?

  To protect the welfare and rights of the participants in the study and benefit the community/humankind
• What are the two roles of the researcher?

  - protect participants

  - not cause them harm and distress
• What is the acrostic of the participant's rights?

  Very Intelligent Dragons Can Do Well
• What is the acronym of the participant's rights?

  VIDCDW
• What does V stand for?

  Voluntary Participation
• What does I stand for?

  Informed Consent
• What does the two Ds stand for?

  Deception and Debriefing
• What does C stand for?

  Confidentiality
• What does W stand for?

  Withdrawal Rights
• Describe voluntary participation


  Participants must be willing and not experience any pressure to be in the study.
• Describe informed consent


  Participants must be given a detailed account of what the study entails and must provide signed consent.
• Describe deception

  Participants must not be deceived but only if approved by ethics committee.
• Describe confidentiality


  Participants' have a right to their privacy and their information must not be revealed.
• Describe debriefing

  Occurs after deception and researcher must explain the purpose of the study and provide support.
• Describe withdrawal rights

  Participants have the right to leave the study at any time without consequences.
• What is the hypothesis acronym?

  CD DIP
• Hypothesis structure

  1. It was hypothesised that​
  2. Population​
  3. Experimental​
  4. Directional effect​
  5. DV​
  6. Compared to ​
  7. Control group
• Hypothesis example

  It was hypothesised that Victorian drivers who are sleep deprived will have decrease in driving ability compared to those who have had normal sleep.​