10 - Research Methods Flashcards
(44 cards)
Experimental
An experiment is a study that investigates a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables. It allows for reasons for behaviour to be identified.
Non-experimental
These methods describe behaviour. DO not explain the reason why the behaviour occurs, but do give solid scientific data when correctly executed and interpreted.
What’s the difference between experimental and non-experimental methods?
If there is an independent variable that has been deliberately changed, it is experimental. If not, it’s non-experimental.
Scientific
The process of developing an explanation of a question in the natural world by testing, investigating and collecting data that will either support or refute the original idea.
- experimental design
- control of uncontrolled variables
- conducted to test hypotheses
Non-scientific
Not a systematic collection of evidence or tries to find answers about things other than the natural world, such as beliefs.
Difference between scientific and non-scientific research:
- Collection of evidence: systematic vs non-systematic
- Methodology: follows a descriptive set of instructions vs little to no instructions.
- Reliability: can be reproduced vs can’t be
Subjective vs objective
Viewpoint based on personal belief, feelings, opinions etc. VS viewpoint base on factual data collected through scientific investigation.
Population
Entire group of people belonging to a particular category. Group of people of interest from which the sample is to be drawn from.
Sample
A group of participants selected from, and representatives of, a population of interest.
What is the difference between sample and population data?
Often the sample doesn’t represent the whole population (biased). Occurs due to convenience sampling: using participants who are easier to access.
How do you minimise sample bias?
Use either:
- Random sampling: Each person in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
- Random stratified sampling: separating the population into groups and taking a random sample from each group.
Ethics
Moral principles and codes of behaviour that apply to all psychologists. They are put in place for a number of reasons, such as to protect volunteers.
Confidentiality
Participants must not be able to be identifies in the reporting of the data unless they give permission. E.g secure data in a password protected computer for 7 years, alter names.
Voluntary participation
Participants must not be pressured to participate in any way. E.g don’t threaten, bribe.
Withdrawal rights
Participants must be allowed to withdraw at any time and have their data removed from the study if they wish.
Informed consent
Researcher must obtain informed consent of each participant or their legal guardian.
E.g reason for the study, method of data collection, benefits and risks etc.
Deception
Keeping the real purpose of an experiment a secret from participants because if they knew they would act differently.
Needs debriefing at the end: telling them the true purpose of the study, including whether or not they took the real substance or the placebo. Participants can withdraw data after.
Should not occur unless it is necessary.
Operationalised hypothesis
A testable prediction that explains exactly how the variables will be measured and manipulated as well as the population.
- IV and how it will be changed
- Population
- DV and how it will be measured.
Observation
In-depth observation of behaviour as it occurs in nature (e.g Dexter Dunphy).
A -> allows the study of complex behaviour/conditions which can’t be made.
B -> hard to generalise to population, observer bias, can’t establish causation, may not be ethical.
Survey
Asking people questions about their personal attitudes/behaviours/opinions.
A-> no researcher bias, large amnt. of data, large sample size.
D-> social desirability bias, poor English skills, can’t establish causation.
Correlational study
Seek to establish whether or not there is a relationship between two variables.
Quantitative (-1 - 1) -> strength and direction.
A-> relationship can be quantified.
D-> causation
Archival research
Performed by analysing studies conducted by other researchers or by looking at historical patient records.
A-> lots of data, already been collected (saves resources).
D-> data may be missing from records, may be unreliable, errors caused by changing definitions (e.g family)
Rating scales
Rank their opinion of something. E.g Likert scale: statement listed and participants circle the number indicating their response.
A-> understand strength and/or direction of response
D-> doesn’t give reason
Fixed Response
Set amount of answers to choose from.
