psych AOS3

• Aim


  The purpose or goal of the research
• Independent variable


  The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher
• Dependent variable


  The variable that is measured or observed for change in response to the independent variable
• Controlled variable


  Variables that are kept constant so they do not influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
• Population


  The entire group of people, objects or events that the researcher is interested in studying
• Sample


  A subset of the population that is selected for the study
• Representative sample


  A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population
• Convenience sampling


  A non-random sampling method where participants are selected based on their availability and accessibility
• Random sampling


  A random selection of participants from the population, giving each individual an equal chance of being selected
• Stratified sampling


  A sampling method where the population is divided into subgroups (strata) and a random sample is taken from each subgroup
• Controlled experiment


  An experiment where the researcher manipulates the independent variable and controls all other variables
• Random allocation


  Randomly assigning participants to either the control group or the experimental group
• Control group


  The group that does not receive the experimental treatment
• Experimental group


  The group that receives the experimental treatment
• Case study


  An in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or event
• Simulation


  A model or representation of a real-world situation or process
• Correlational study


  A study that investigates the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation
• Primary data


  Data collected directly by the researcher for the specific purpose of the study
• Qualitative data


  Data that is subjective and cannot be measured numerically
• Quantitative data


  Data that can be measured and expressed numerically
• Subjective data


  Data that is based on personal opinions, feelings or experiences
• Objective data


  Data that is factual and can be observed or measured without bias
• Tabulating data


  Organising data into a table or spreadsheet
• Graphs


  Visual representations of data
• Mean


  The average of a set of numbers
• Evidence-based conclusion


  A conclusion drawn from the data collected in the study
• Generalisation


  Drawing conclusions about the wider population based on the sample
• Internal validity


  The extent to which the study measures what it is intended to measure
• Participant variables


  Characteristics of the participants that may influence the results
• Confounding variables


  Variables that may influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
• Voluntary participation


  Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time