Topic 2 - Research methods

Question 1

What is quantitative vs qualitative research?

Answer 1

Quantitative = Use of experiments or surveys to gather data that can be statistically analysed to test a hypotheses.
Qualitative = In depth analysis of relatively few participants to gather data that provides a deeper understanding of a topic.

Question 2

Name 4 elements of quantitative research.

Answer 2

1. Large sample sizes
2. Can be repeated
3. High reliability
4. Deductive & objective approach

Question 3

Name 4 elements of qualitative research.

Answer 3

1. Exploratory research techniques used - interview, observation, case study
2. More inductive & subjective
3. Describing or interpreting human phenomena
4. Can be preferred in indigenous communities as it allows use of own words & concepts

Question 4

Define variable.

Answer 4

Any phenomena that can differ from one situation to another. Used to determine if a change to one thing results in a change to another.

Question 5

What is a continuous vs categorical variable?

Answer 5

Continuous = A variable that can be placed on a continuum (e.g. degree of intelligence) 
Categorical = made of groupings (e.g. state you are in)

Question 6

Define sample.

Answer 6

Subgroup of a population that is likely to represent the population as a whole.

Question 7

Define generalisability.

Answer 7

Refers to the applicability of the findings to the entire population being researched.

Question 8

For a study to be valid what 2 criteria must it meet.

Answer 8

1. Internal validity

2. External validity.

Question 9

Define internal validity & 2 threats.

Answer 9

The experiment must employ methods that convincingly test the hypothesis.
Threat:
Selection bias - sample doesn’t represent population.
Experimental mortality - losing participants causing groups to no longer be equivalent.

Question 10

Define external validity and 2 threats.

Answer 10

The findings can be generalised to situations outside of the lab.
Threats - sampling bias and experiment not reflecting the real world.

Question 11

What are the four types of validity? What are they?

Answer 11

1. Face validity - does the measure appear to measure what it should?
2. Construct validity - Does the measure actually tap into the construct of interest?
3. Content validity - Are the qs relevant to the content being measured?
4. Criterion validity - do the results correspond to different tests of the same thing?

Question 12

What are the 4 measurement scales?

Answer 12

1. Nominal - categorises e.g. male / female
2. Ordinal - ranking e.g. HD, D, P
3. Interval - measures both order and difference between two observations. No score of zero, as there are -ves
4. Ratio - similar to interval but score of zero is relevant.

Question 13

Define reliability.

Answer 13

Ability to produce consistent results.

Question 14

What are the 3 kinds of reliability?

Answer 14

Retest - tendency to yield similar scores for same individual over time.
Internal consistency - if several ways of asking the same question yield similar results.
Interrater reliability - If two different interviewers give an individual similar scores.

Question 15

What does validity refer to?

Answer 15

The measures ability to assess the variable its supposed to assess.

Question 16

What are the 3 main goals of scientific method?

Answer 16

Description - being able to summarise your data in a way that is easily understandable.
Prediction - using outcome of your research you can identify what will happen in the same circumstances in the future.
Understanding - Identifying why that would happen.

Question 17

Independent vs dependent variables

Answer 17

Independent - Variables manipulated by experimenter

Dependent - The participants response to independent variables.

Question 18

What are the 6 steps of experimental research?

Answer 18

1 - Framing a hypothesis
2 - Operationalising variables (converting abstract concepts to testable forms)
3 - Developing a standardised procedure
4 - Select & assign participants
5 - Applying statistical techniques to the data
6 - Drawing conclusions

Question 19

4 types of descriptive research.

Answer 19

1. Case study methods
2. Naturalistic observations
3. Survey research
4. Correlation research

Question 20

Define correlation research.

Answer 20

Attempts to determine the degree to which two or more variables are related, so that knowing the score on one variable allow prediction on another. (READ OVER THESE NOTES)

Question 21

What are the 3 main principles of the code of ethics?

Answer 21

1. Respect for the rights and dignity of people
2. Propriety
3. Integrity

Question 22

What are the 7 guidelines for conducting psychological research?

Answer 22

Informed consent 
Must not compromise welfare 
No excess cash (or other) reward
Confidential 
If using deception - inform afterward
Minimise discomfort to animals 
In an academic environment - have university approval

Question 23

What are the 3 key principles of critical thinking?

Answer 23

1. Scepticism
2. Objectivity
3. Open-mindedness

Question 24

what are 4 common fallacies in arguments?

Answer 24

Straw man
Appeals to popularity
Appeals to authority
Arguments directed to the person