research methods

• What types of experiments are discussed in the video?

  Lab, field, natural, and quasi experiments
• Why might terminology in research methods be intimidating?

  Because many terms may be unfamiliar
• How should you approach watching the research methods videos?

  • Watch once without taking notes
  • Watch again to write down key ideas
• What is a laboratory experiment?

  An experiment with full control over variables
• What is the role of the independent variable in a lab experiment?

  It is the factor that changes between conditions
• What does the dependent variable represent in an experiment?

  It is the variable that is measured
• How can changing the color of light in a room affect an experiment?

  It can influence recall of numbers
• What is a strength of lab experiments regarding cause and effect?

  They allow for confident cause and effect conclusions
• What is high internal validity in lab experiments?

  It means the observed effect is real
• What is a disadvantage of lab experiments related to ecological validity?

  Behaviors may not generalize to real-world settings
• What does mundane realism refer to in lab experiments?

  Tasks may not reflect real-world activities
• What are demand characteristics in lab experiments?

  Participants change behavior due to awareness
• What is a field experiment?

  An experiment conducted in a natural setting
• What is a strength of field experiments?

  They have increased external validity
• How do field experiments address demand characteristics?

  Participants are often unaware of the study
• What is a disadvantage of field experiments related to control?

  They lack control over extraneous variables
• What is a natural experiment?

  The researcher measures changes in naturally occurring variables
• What is a strength of natural experiments regarding ethical concerns?

  They allow research in ethically sensitive areas
• Why are natural experiments high in external validity?

  Changes occur naturally in real life
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding cause and effect?

  Less certainty about cause and effect relationships
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  An experiment without random assignment to conditions
• What is a strength of quasi-experiments?

  They allow study of existing groups
• What is a limitation of quasi-experiments related to confounding variables?

  Differences beyond group membership may exist
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Lab: High control, replicable, clear cause-effect
  • Field: Increased external validity, natural behavior
  • Natural: Ethical research, high external validity
  • Quasi: Studies existing groups, necessary for certain factors

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lab: Low ecological validity, demand characteristics
  • Field: Less control, potential extraneous variables
  • Natural: Less certainty in cause-effect, rare situations
  • Quasi: Confounding variables, no random assignment
• What resources are available for further study on research methods?

  Psych boost workbook and tutorial videos
• How can patrons support the development of the research methods unit?

  By contributing on Patreon
• What is the purpose of the psych boost workbook?

  To cover all compulsory units in psychology
• What is the significance of the Romanian orphan studies mentioned?

  They illustrate effects of emotional deprivation
• What is the main focus of the video series discussed?

  Different types of psychological experiments
• What will the video discuss regarding observation types?

  Various observation types and their strengths and weaknesses
• What is the definition of observation in research?

  Researchers watching and recording behaviour as it happens
• What are the two main types of observation researchers can choose from?

  Controlled and naturalistic observation
• What is a controlled observation?

  Participants are observed in a controlled environment
• What is a key advantage of controlled observations?

  Reduces effects of extraneous variables
• What is a significant weakness of controlled observations?

  The environment is artificial and may not reflect reality
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Participants are observed in their normal environment
• What is a key advantage of naturalistic observations?

  High realism and external validity
• What is a significant weakness of naturalistic observations?

  Lack of control may introduce unknown variables
• What is the difference between overt and covert observation?

  Overt means participants know they are observed
• What is a key ethical consideration in overt observation?

  Participants must give informed consent