Research methods - Psychology

• What is the definition of stratified sampling?

  The population is divided into subgroups (strata) and the proportions are reflected in the sample
• What are the strengths of stratified sampling?

  Representative

  Generalisable.
• What are the weaknesses of stratified sampling?

  Strata cannot be entirely reflective of everyone.

  Time-consuming.

  Difficult.
• What is volunteer sampling?

  Sampling method where participants are selected based on their willingness to participate.
• What are the strengths of volunteer sampling?

  Participants are easy to get.

  Less time-consuming.
• What are the weaknesses of volunteer sampling?

  Likely to get a certain type of participant.

  Researcher bias.
• What is opportunity sampling?

  Opportunity sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where participants are selected based on their availability and accessibility at the time of the study.
• What are the strengths of opportunity sampling?

  Convenient.

  Less costly.

  Less time-consuming.
• What are the weaknesses of opportunity sampling?

  Findings cannot be generalised.

  Researcher bias when selecting participants.
• What is systematic sampling?

  Systematic sampling is a sampling method where every nth element in a population is selected to be part of the sample.

  A sampling frame has to be created.
• What are the strengths of systematic sampling?

  Objective measure (no researcher influence).

  Simple and easy.
• What are the weaknesses of systematic sampling?

  Time-consuming.

  Participants may refuse to take part.
• What is random sampling?

  Random sampling is a method of selecting a sample from a population in which each individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

  E.G assigning everyone a number and using a number randomiser.
• What are the strengths of random sampling?

  Representative.

  Able to generalise findings.

  Minimizing bias.
• What are the weaknesses of random sampling?

  Time-consuming as obtaining a list of the population may be difficult.

  Potential for an unrepresentative sample.
• What are closed questions?

  Closed questions are questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" or with a specific piece of information, and they do not allow for open-ended responses or discussion.

  Produces quantitative data.
• What is a structured interview?

  A structured interview is a standardized interview format where all candidates are asked the same set of predetermined questions in a consistent order.
• What is an unstructured interview?

  An unstructured interview is a type of interview where the questions are not pre-determined and the conversation flows freely, allowing for more open-ended responses from the interviewee.
• What is a semi-structured interview?

  An interview that combines both structured and unstructured questions, allowing for flexibility and follow-up questions.
• What are questionnaires?

  Survey instruments used to collect data from individuals by asking a series of questions.

  Self-report technique.

  Assess the dependent variable.
• What are open questions?

  Open questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and require a more detailed response. They encourage discussion and allow for a variety of answers and perspectives.

  Produces qualitative data.
• What are behavioural categories?

  When a target behaviour is divided into categories that are observable and measurable (operationalisation).

  Target behaviours should be: precisely defined, observable and measurable.
• What are the three types of question for a questionnaire?

  Fixed choice option: List of possible options.

  Likert scale: Ranges from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'.

  Rating scale: Select a value that represents their strength of feeling about a topic.
• What is a non-participant observation?

  A non-participant observation is a research method where the observer does not actively participate in the group or situation being observed, but rather observes from a distance.
• What is a participant observation?

  Participant observation is a research method in which the researcher immerses themselves in a social group or setting to observe and participate in the activities and behaviors of the group.
• What is an overt observation?

  Participants are observed with their knowledge and informed consent.
• What is a covert observation?

  Behaviour is observed and recored without the participants knowledge or consent.

  Undercover.
• What is a controlled observation?

  Watching and recording behaviours within a structured environment.

  Variables are managed,

  Control over confounding and extraneous variables.
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Observation takes place in the setting or context where the behaviour would normally occur.
• What is a pilot study?

  A small scale version of the study and will usually involve a small number of participants.
• Why is a pilot study useful?

  Test any ethical concerns.

  'Road-test' the procedure.

  Modify the design.

  Test questions.

  Test behavioural categories.
• What is a single-blind procedure?

  A research study where participants are unaware of whether they are receiving the treatment or a placebo.

  Strengths: Reduces demand characteristics.

  Weaknesses: Informed consent.
• What is a double-blind procedure?

  A research method where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment and who is receiving the placebo.

  Often a third party conducts the study.

  Reduces demand characteristics and investigator effect.
• What are control groups?

  Groups in an experiment that do not receive the experimental treatment and are used as a baseline for comparison.

  If the experimental condition is significantly different to the control, we can assume this was due to the independent variable.
• What is random allocation?

  Random allocation is the process of assigning participants to different groups or conditions in a study randomly, to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group.

  Helps to avoid bias and limits the affect of participant variables.
• What are order effects?

  The influence that the order of presenting stimuli has on participants' responses.

  This can be reduces by counter-balancing.
• What is counter-balancing?

  Each group does the experiment in a different order.

  Balances out any order effects.
• What are independent groups?

  Independent groups refer to different groups of participants who are exposed to different conditions or treatments in a research study.
• What are the strengths of independent groups?

  No order effects.

  Aim is less likely to be guessed.
• What are the weaknesses of independent groups?

  Reduced validity: different participant variables.

  Costly.