research

• Define primary research


  data gathered directly by first hand experience (using questionnaires, interviews etc). will specifically relate to the aims of the research
• Define secondary research


  the summary, collection and use of existing research. Gathering and analysing data from research that has been conducted by another researcher (literature review, content analysis, meta analysis)
• Define qualitative data


  quality data that isn't normally statistically analysed. information in words that cannot be counted or quantified.
• Define quantitative data


  a large amount of data that is easily compared and statistically analysed. Refers to how much or how many etc.
• Strength of quantitative data

  One strength isthe data is easy to analyse using descriptive and inferential statistics.this is a strength becauseit enables conclusions to be easily drawn and comparisons to be made
• Weakness of quantitative data

  One weakness isthis data may oversimplify reality.This is a weakness becausethe conclusions drawn can be meaningless.
• Strength of qualitative data

  One strength isthis data can provide detailed information which can provide unexpected insights into thoughts and behaviours because the answers are not restricted.This is a strength becauseit reflects people's unique thoughts and behaviours.
• Weakness of Qualitative data

  One weakness isthe complexity of analysing this type of rich quality data which makes it difficult to make comparisons.This is a weakness becauseit makes it more difficult to draw conclusions.
• Strength of primary data

  One strength isthe data collection is designed to fit the aimes and hypothesis of the study.This is a strength becauseit enables the researcher to have greater control over the data.
• Weakness of primary data

  One weakness isthat it takes time to design a study, recruit participants and analyse the data.This is a weakness becauseit can be a very lengthy and expensive process.
• Strength of secondary data

  One strength isit is simpler to access someone elses data, which may have been subjected to statistical testing demonstrating whether it is significant.This is a strength becauseit is less time consuming and cheaper than primary research.
• Weakness of secondary research

  One weakness isthe data from some studies may not exactly fit the needs of the current study.This is a weakness becauseit compromises the validity of the study.
• Define independent variable


  The variable that the experimenter manipulates. Assumed to affect the DV
• Define dependent variable


  The variable that you think will be affected by the IV. The variable that is measured.
• Define confounding variable


  variable that does affect the outcome. These may affect some participants.
• Define extraneous variable


  variable that may affect the outcome. These mus affect all participants.
• What is the 'normal' condition called?

  control condition
• If it is not the control condition what condition is it?

  Experimental condition
• directional hypothesis


  Participants who __________ will _________ than participants who _______
• Non-directional hypothesis


  There will be a difference in _______ between participants who ________ and participants who _________
• What is a one-tailed hypothesis?

  directional hypothesis
• What is a two-tailed hypothesis?

  non-directional hypothesis
• What is operationalisation?


  Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured
• Features of Lab research

  - Controlled environment- researchers can control extraneous and confounding variables for an accurate result

  - Most scientific method due to the control

  - Room is equipped for scientific research e.g. MRI scans

  - Observational studies may be carried out in a lab
• What are the advantages of research in a lab?

  - High levels of control e.g. variables = increasing validity

  - Easy for others to replicate = increasing reliability

  - Some equipment cannot be moved e.g. scanning machines = enables carrying out of certain research

  - Ethical guidelines can be easier to follow e.g. debriefing = minimises harm to participants
• What are the disadvantages of research in a lab?

  - The environment is artificial = reduces external validity

  - Participants are aware they are being researched (demand characteristics/ Hawthorn effect) = may change behaviour reducing validity

  - Sometimes research can't be conducted in a lab due to the nature of the behaviour/ target population = cannot carry out in lab
• What is meant by research in the field?

  Research which is conducted outside the lab; in a more natural, sometimes familiar setting.
• What are the advantages of research in the field?

  - In a less artificial environment participants may behave more naturally as they are less likely to be aware of their participation = increasing external validity

  - Allows research in a variety of contexts which would not be possible in a lab
• What are the disadvantages of research in the field?

  - More difficult to measure and control variables = reducing internal validity

  - Researchers may produce different findings as the research cannot be replicated due to differences in settings

  - Not all equipment can be used in the filed e.g. scanning machines

  - Ethics; participants are often unaware that they are being studied so will not have normally given consent
• What is research conducted online?

  Data collected from individuals through a website or an app on a mobile device. May be experimental but is often questionnaires
• What is an advantage of research conducted online?

  - Researchers can access very large samples of participants in this way e.g. Nosek et al 2002 had 1.5 million responses = increases external validity

  - Samples collected are likely to be more diverse and less culturally biased than e.g. using students = increses external validity

  - It is cost effective e.g. cheaper than posting questionnaires

  - Analysis of data is often quicker as software packages are used = not time consuming
• What are the disadvantages of research conducted online?

  - methods are more limited e.g. questionnaires = reduces validity

  - Ethical issues are difficult to deal with e.g. difficult to deal with = difficult to protect from harm
• Who created the code of ethics that researchers must follow?

  British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Who must adhere to the code of ethics?

  All researchers, including students
• What are the key ethical issues?

  - Informed consent

  - Do not deceive

  - Protection From Harm

  - Confidentiality

  - Privacy
• What is informed consent?


  Revealing the true aims of the study so that participants can make an informed decision about whether they wish to participate.
• When is informed consent not possible?

  - When deception is necessary

  - In field experiments

  - With vulnerable people
• What other ways can you gain consent?

  - Presumptive consent

  - Prior general consent

  - Consent in hindsight
• What is presumptive consent?


  Gaining views on what is acceptable from the general public
• What is prior general consent?

  Getting a signature before the experiment without giving detailed information