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A Level Psychology > Research Methods > Flashcards

Research Methods Flashcards

1
Q

What is the aim of a study

A

A statement of the study’s purpose

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2
Q

What is a directional hypothesis with example

A

States the directions of the differences or relationship
E.g. more/ less, higher/ lower, faster/ slower

E.g: People who drink red bull become more hyperactive than people who do not

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3
Q

When would you use a directional hypothesis

A

When there is research that is already published that supports your aim

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4
Q

What is a non directional hypothesis with example

A

States there is a difference between the conditionals or groups but the nature of the difference is not specific

E.g: There will be a difference between males and females in a test

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5
Q

When would you use a non directional hypothesis

A

When there is no research that is already published that supports your aim

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6
Q

What is a null hypothesis with example

A

Is what you’re going to assume is true during the study
Any data you collect will either back this assumption up or not

If the data does not support your null hypothesis -you reject it and go with your alternative hypothesis

E.g: There will be no differences between the variables

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7
Q

What is the independent variable

A

The thing that is manipulated/ changed e.g. the different groups, the different conditions

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8
Q

Dependant variable

A

The thing that is measured/ will be affected by the changes

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9
Q

What does operationalisation mean with an example

A

This means how we are going to measure our variables
We must define how we intend to measure IV and DV

E.g: E.g. after drinking 300ml of red bull, ppts say more words in the next five minutes than ppts who drink 300ml of water

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10
Q

Example of counterbalancing

A

E.g. half of the participants participate in condition A before condition B and vice versa
This means that the first and second condition is not the same for every participant

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11
Q

Example of randomisation

A

Participants are assigned to condition A or B first by tossing a coin or picking out a name

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12
Q

What are extraneous variables

A

Anything that impacts the dependent variable (what you’re trying to measure) that is not the independent variable

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13
Q

What are confounding variables

A

Anything other than the IV which has influenced your results which has not been accounted for before the experiment begins

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14
Q

What is informed consent in relation to ethics

A

Knowing aims and giving your permission to take part in the study

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15
Q

What is deception in relation to ethics and when can it be used

A

Deliberately misleading or withholding information
The BPS state that deception is only acceptable if there is a strong scientific justification for the research and there are no alternative procedures available

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16
Q

What is the right to withdraw in relation to ethics

A

Being able to leave when desired

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17
Q

What is the confidentiality in relation to ethics

A

Details should be kept private

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18
Q

What is the protection from harm in relation to ethics

A

No more harm than daily life

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19
Q

What is debriefing

A

Debriefing: returning the ppt to the state they were in before the research

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20
Q

What is the independent groups design

A

There are two separate groups of participants
One group takes part in condition A, the other takes part in condition B

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21
Q

Advantages of independent groups design

A

Fewer demand characteristics - participants may only know their condition
No order effects - only take part in one condition, so don’t get bored or practiced

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22
Q

Disadvantages of independent groups design

A

Individual differences as the people taking part in each condition are different - one group might simply be better at that task
More participants needed

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23
Q

What is the repeated measures design

A

There is only one group of participants
This group takes part in both conditions

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24
Q

Advantages of repeated measures design

A

No individual differences as the same person does both conditions
Smaller group sizes

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25
Q

Weaknesses of repeated measures design

A

Order effects - either boredom, or practice, can be helped by counter balancing
Demand characteristics - ppts know what the experimenters are expecting and may perform to meet that expectation

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26
Q

What is the matched pairs design

A

Involves the use of independent measures, but each participant in group A is paired with one in group B
This is done by finding participants who can be matched on key characteristics, e.g. IQ, memory ability, gender and so on

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27
Q

Advantages of matched pairs design

A

No order effects
Controls for individual differences
More sure the DV is caused by the IV and not differences between the 2 groups

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28
Q

Disadvantages of matched pairs design

A

Can be difficult to make perfect matches and is costly on money and time

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29
Q

How field experiments are carried out

A

These take place outside of the lab, in a natural environment but the basic scientific procedures are still followed as far as possible
The independent variable is manipulated
The effect on the dependent variable is measured

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30
Q

Example of a field experiment that we have studied

A

Bickman and Bushman

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31
Q

Advantages of field experiment

A

Less artificial than a lab but still an experiment (high mundane realism)
Represents reality
Can be completed in natural environments
Avoid ppt effect (if they are not aware of the study) therefore it should produce behaviour which is more natural and valid
Less demand characteristics

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32
Q

Weaknesses of field experiments

A

Extraneous variables less easy to control therefore less able to show cause and effect
Ethical issues - ppts unlikely to know they are being studied

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33
Q

Use of laboratory experiments

A

Controlled artificial environment
Independent variable is manipulated

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34
Q

Advantages of laboratory experiments

A

Controlled environment
Minimises problems with extraneous variables
Can be easily replicated to check same results
High in reliability

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35
Q

Disadvantages of laboratory experiments

A

Artificial environment (low mundane realism)
Ppt may behave differently to normal or be effected by the environment (demand characteristics)
It therefore may lack generalisability (low external validity)

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36
Q

What is a confederate

A

Somebody actively involved in the research

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37
Q

What is a double blind trial

A

Neither ppts or the researcher are aware of the aims of the investigation
Used in drug trials

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38
Q

What is a single blind trial

A

Ppts are not aware of the condition they are in
Used to control for the confounding effects of demand characteristics

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39
Q

What is a natural experiment

A

Natural environment
Independent variable not manipulated
Taking advantage of a natural occurring event

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40
Q

Advantages of natural experiments

A

High in ecological validity (represents real life experience) provides opportunities for for research which otherwise may not be available
Enables psychologists to study ‘real’ problems
Objective research method - little interference from researcher
Few ethical issues

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41
Q

Weaknesses of natural experiments

A

A naturally occurring event may happen very rarely which limits the opportunity to investigate this also limits generalisability
Many extraneous variables which are a threat to ‘cause - effect’ conclusion
Ppts are not randomly allocated to conditions which may mean that there is some bias in the sample

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42
Q

What are quasi experiments

A

In quasi experiments the IV is a naturally existing characteristic between people and has not been changed by anyone or anything
E.g. biological sex, eye colour, ethnicity, IQ

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43
Q

Advantages of quasi experiments

A

Often carried out under laboratory conditions so therefore high in controls
Enables psychologists to study ‘real’ problems

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44
Q

Disadvantages of quasi experiments

A

Like natural experiments ppts cannot be randomly allocated to conditions therefore there may be confounding variables
This means that we cannot say cause and effect

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45
Q

What are behavioural categories

A

Devising a set off component behaviours

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46
Q

What is event sampling

A

Counting the numbers of times a certain behaviour (or event) occurs in a target individual or individuals

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47
Q

What is time sampling

A

Recording behaviours in a given time frame
E.g. noting what an individual is doing every 30 seconds

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48
Q

What is a controlled observation

A

When the researcher has some measure of control over the environment

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49
Q

Strengths of controlled observations

A

Control over extraneous variables
Inter-observer reliability
Easy to replicate

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50
Q

Disadvantages of controlled observation

A

Low ecological validity
May be subjective towards what the researcher wants to see
Demand characteristics

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51
Q

What is naturalistic observation

A

Studying behaviour in a natural setting where everything has been left as it is normally

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52
Q

Advantages of naturalistic observations

A

High external validity
Natural environment- generalised to everyday life
Few demand characteristic

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53
Q

Disadvantages of naturalistic observations

A

Replication difficult - lack of control
Uncontrolled extraneous variables

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54
Q

What is a covert observation

A

The ppts are not aware that they are being observed

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55
Q

Strengths of covert observation

A

No demand characteristics

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56
Q

Weaknesses of covert observation

A

Ethical issues as they do not know they are being observed

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57
Q

What is an overt observation

A

The ppts are aware that they are being observed

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58
Q

Strengths of overt observation

A

Less ethical issues as they are not being deceived

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59
Q

Weaknesses of overt observation

A

There maybe demand characteristics as they know they are being observed

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60
Q

What is participant observation

A

The observer acts as part of the group being watched

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61
Q

Strengths of participant observation

A

Participants experience situation
Insight
Increased validity

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62
Q

Weaknesses of participant observation

A

Lose objectivity
Difficult in recording observation
Ethical issues

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63
Q

What is a non-participant observation

A

The experimenter does not become part of the group being observed

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64
Q

Strengths of non-participant observation

A

More ethical
More objective

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65
Q

Weaknesses of non participant observations

A

Less insight
Not experiencing the same things
Lower in validity

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66
Q

What is a structured observation

A

The researcher determines precisely what behaviours are to be observed and uses a standardised checklist to record the frequency with which they are observed within a specific time frame

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67
Q

Strengths of structured observation

A

It is easier to gather relevant data because you know what you are looking for

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68
Q

Weaknesses of structured observation

A

Interesting behaviours could go unrecorded because they weren’t pre-defined as important

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69
Q

What is an unstructured observation

A

The observer recalls all relevant behaviour but has no system

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70
Q

Strengths of an unstructured observation

A

Interesting behaviours do not go unrecorded because they are pre-defined as important

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71
Q

Weaknesses of an unstructured observation

A

It is harder to gather relevant data because you don’t know what you are looking for

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72
Q

What is inter rater reliability

A

The test should give consistent results, regardless of who is collecting the results
Can be assessed by correlating scores from both researchers and comparing
This should be an 80% agreement

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73
Q

What are investigator effects

A

Anything the researcher does that affects how the ppt behaves
Demand characteristics
Could lead to them asking leading questions
Ppts may react to the behaviour or appearance of a researcher and respond differently

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74
Q

What is researcher bias

A

The researchers expectations can influence how they design their study and how they behave towards the ppts
Expectations can effect measurement and analysis
Hypothesis might be false
May focus on answers that fit their expectations

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75
Q

What is qualitative data

A

Data expressed in words and is non-numerical

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76
Q

Advantages of qualitative data

A

Advantages: offers a rich insight and details of peoples thoughts and feelings

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77
Q

Disadvantages of qualitative data

A

Disadvantages: can be difficult to analyse and may be subject to researcher bias
Time consuming to analyse

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78
Q

What is quantitative data

A

Numerical data

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79
Q

Advantages of quantitative data

A

Advantages:
easy to analyse
Conclusions can be drawn easily
More objective and less open to bias

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80
Q

Disadvantages of quantitative data

A

Disadvantages:
Not as meaningful
May not represent real life (could be forced to choose answer they don’t agree with)

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81
Q

What is primary data

A

Primary - data obtained first hand by the researcher for the purposes of the research project
E.g. questionairre

82
Q

Advantages of primary data

A

Authentic data obtained directly from the ppt therefore targeted to get the information that is required

83
Q

Disadvantages of primary data

A

Can require a lot of time and effort in conducting the experiment etc

84
Q

What is secondary data

A

Secondary: information than predates the research project and has already been gathered by someone else

85
Q

Advantages of secondary data

A

May be inexpensive and easily accessible requiring minimal effort

86
Q

Disadvantages of secondary data

A

There maybe variation in the quality and accuracy of secondary data
The content of the data may not quite match the researcher’s needs

87
Q

What is a pilot study and why is it used

A

A small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted
The aim is to check that procedures, materials, measuring scales etc, work and to allow the researcher to make changes or notification if necessary

88
Q

What are two types of self report methods

A

Both questionairres and interviews are types of self report method
This is because the ppt reports their own thoughts and feelings about a particular matter

89
Q

What are questionnaires

A

Questionnaires are a set of questions used to assess a person’s thoughts and experience
Usually gathered from large numbers of people
Carried out on selected samples of people
May include a mixture of both open and closed questions

90
Q

What are open questions

A

Open questions - range of answer is not restricted by the researcher
E.g. how do you feel about…?

91
Q

What is a sample

A

The people used in the study from the target population

92
Q

What is a population

A

The population is the group of people from whom the sample is drawn
We use a target population is we want to investigate specific individual differences

93
Q

What is a random sampling

A

Each ppt has an equal chance of selection e.g. name drawn out of a hat

94
Q

Advantages of random sampling

A

Unbiased, all members of the target population have an equal chance of selection

95
Q

Weaknesses of random sampling

A

The researcher may end up with a biased sample because the sample is too small
Subgroup of target population might not be selected - does not guarantee a representative sample

96
Q

What is volunteer sampling

A

Researcher advertises the study and people who see the advert may get in contact and volunteer e.g. poster, newspaper, Milgram

97
Q

Advantages of volunteer sampling

A

Quick convenient and ethical if it leads to informed consent
Large response rate
Allows more in-depth analysis and accurate results

98
Q

Weaknesses of volunteer sampling

A

Sample is biased because the ppts are likely to be more motivated (volunteer bias)

99
Q

What is opportunity sampling

A

Asking people who are available at that time to take part e.g. researcher may ask parents picking their children up from school

100
Q

Advantages of opportunity sampling

A

The easy and fastest method because you just use the first ppts you can find

101
Q

Disadvantages of opportunity sampling

A

Biased because the sample is drawn from a small part of the population
Unlikely to be representative of a target population

102
Q

What is stratified sampling

A

Selecting people from every portion of your population - in the same proportions

103
Q

Strengths of stratified sampling

A

More representative than an opportunity sample because there should be equal representation of subgroups

104
Q

Weaknesses of stratified sampling

A

It is time-consuming because all potential ppts need to be assessed and categorised
Some groups within a sample may not be represented if a small sample is used

105
Q

Example of stratified sampling
E.g. a researcher would like to investigate male students
In a class of 20 students, 10 are 16 year olds, 8 are 17 years old and 2 are 18 year old
Take stratified sample of 10 ppts

A

If you take a sample of 10, the number of 16,17 and 18 year olds needs to be 50% of the whole class
Sample reflects the proportions of people in certain sub-groups (strata) within the target population or wider population or wider population
• Five 16 year olds
• Four 17 year olds
• One 18 years olds

106
Q

What is systematic sampling

A

Selecting every nth name from a list

107
Q

Strengths of systematic sampling

A

It avoids bias as, once the researcher has decided what number they have no control over who is being selected

108
Q

Weaknesses of systematic sampling

A

It is not completely objective because the researcher may decide on how people are listed before the selection
There is a small chance of a ‘freak’ sample which would not be representative

109
Q

What is presumptive consent

A

Ask similar group of people for consent

110
Q

What is prior general consent

A

Consent for different studies, including one that may involve deception

111
Q

What is retrospective consent

A

Asked consent during debrief

112
Q

Structure of a consent letter

A

Ppt number:
Debrief of the study:
Aim:

Signed
Print name

With date

113
Q

How ethics boards conduct a cost benefit analysis

A

Cost: if there are any negative impacts on participants

Benefits: if there are positive impacts that could come of research.
This could impact society, science and the individual

114
Q

What is social desirability bias

A

People try to show themselves in the best possible light
They may not complete a task truthfully and gives the answers that are more socially acceptable
Results become less valid

115
Q

What is the Hawthorne effect

A

If people are interested in something and in the attention they are getting, then they show a more positive response, and try harder at tasks
Results are artificially high = could lead to invalid conclusions (please you effect)

Opposite occurs if ppts are uninterested (screw you effect)

116
Q

What are situational variables

A

A type of extraneous variable found in the environment
Noise, light, time, location, temperature or weather

117
Q

What are participant variables

A

A type of extraneous variable found in participants
Motivation levels, moods, skills, experience, fatigue, eyesight etc

118
Q

What are experimenter variables

A

Effects of the experimenter’s expectation which are communicated intentionally or unintentionally ( also known as Investigator Effects )

E.g. an experimenter might accidentally give you clues as to the ‘right’ answer in a test by their use of body language or their tone of voice

119
Q

What is discrete data

A

This is called discrete data because the units of measurement cannot be split up
Can only be exact measures: shoe size, rolls of a dice

120
Q

Continuous data

A

Measured using a scale of measurement: height and distance.
Distance - has meaning at all points between the numbers given
E.g. we can travel a distance of 1.2 and 1.85 and even 1.632 miles

121
Q

What is nominal data

A

Data represented in the form of categories
E.g. how many students in the 6th form drive to school and how many walk
Is discrete, one item can only appear in one category

122
Q

What is ordinal data

A

Ordinal data - data which is ordered in some way
Rating on a scale of 1 – 10
Ordinal data does not have equal intervals between each unit
Not true that someone who rated something as an 8 enjoys it twice as much as someone who rated it 4
E.g. level of education, grades A-U in exams

123
Q

What is interval/ratio data

A

Based on numerical scales
Include units of equal, precisely defined size
E.g. units of measurements for height, time and temperature

124
Q

What is the mean

A

The mean is calculated by adding up the data items and dividing by the number of data items

125
Q

How to calculate mean

A

Sum of all scores/N

126
Q

Advantages of using the mean

A

It is a very sensitive statistic because it takes account of the exact distance between all the values of all the data.
It is representative of all the data

127
Q

Weaknesses of using the mean

A

Can be distorted from anomalous results and misrepresent the data
It cannot be used with nominal data

128
Q

What is the mode

A

The mode is the value that is the most common data item
If two categories or data items have the same frequency the data has two modes, i.e. are bi-modal

129
Q

Advantages of using the mode

A

Unaffected by extreme values
Useful for discrete data
Only method which can be used for nominal data

130
Q

Weaknesses of using the mode

A

Sometimes there are so many modes that the data cannot be described using this statistic

131
Q

What is the median

A

The median is the middle value in an ordered list
All data items must be arranged in order and the central value is the median
If there is an even number of data items there will be two central items
To calculate the median value add the two items and divide by two

132
Q

Advantages of using the median

A

It is not affected by extreme scores so can be useful under such circumstances.
It is easy to calculate
It is not distorted by any anomalous values

133
Q

Weaknesses of using the median

A

It is less ‘sensitive’ than the mean because the exact values are not reflected in the median

134
Q

What is used to measure dispersion

A

The range
The standard deviation

135
Q

What is the range

A

The range is the arithmetic distance between the top and the bottom values in a set of data.
It is customary to add 1.
The addition of 1 is because the bottom number could represent 0.5 below it and the top number could be 0.5 above it

136
Q

Advantage of using the range

A

Easy to calculate

137
Q

Weaknesses of using the range

A

Effected by extreme values.
It fails to take into account the distribution of the numbers, for example, it doesn’t indicate whether most numbers are closely grouped around the mean or spread out evenly

138
Q

What is standard deviation

A

The standard deviation is a more precise way of measuring the dispersion of the data
This is a measure of the average distance between each data item above and below the mean, ignoring plus and minus values.
The smaller the standard deviation, the closer together the values in the set are; a larger standard deviation indicates that the values are more spread out from the mean

139
Q

How to calculate standard deviation

A

S = √(X - X)^2 / N

140
Q

Advantages of standard deviation

A

Precise measure of dispersion because it takes into account all the values

141
Q

Weaknesses of standard deviation

A

It may hide some of the characteristics of the data set (e.g. extreme values)

142
Q

What is a bar chart

A

Used to represent ‘discrete data’ where the data is in categories, which are placed on the x-axis
The mean or frequency is on the y-axis
Columns do not touch and have equal width and spacing
Examples:
Differences in males/females on a spatial task
Score on a depression scale before and after treatment

143
Q

What is a histogram

A

Used to represent data on a ‘continuous’ scale
Columns touch because each one forms a single score (interval) on a related scale, e.g., time - number of hours of homework students do each week
Scores (intervals) are placed on the x-axis
The height of the column shows the frequency of values, e.g., number of students in each interval – this goes on the y-axis

144
Q

What are closed questions

A

Closed questions - possible answers are determined by the researcher - various types of these and best asked when factual information is needed e.g. age

145
Q

What is a likert scale

A

One in which the respondent indicates their agreement (or otherwise) with a statement using a scale of usually five points
The scale ranges from strongly agree to strongly disagree

146
Q

Advantages of self report questionnaires

A

Respondents may feel more able to reveal personal information in a questionnaire compared to an interview
Closed questions produce quantitative data which is easier to analyse

147
Q

Disadvantages of self report questionnaires

A

In closed questions, respondents may be forced to select answers which do not represent their real thoughts, leading to data which has lower validity
Certain types of people may complete questionnaires leading to sample bias

148
Q

What is an unstructured interview

A

The interview starts with some general aims and questions and then lets the interviewee’s answers guide subsequent questions

149
Q

What is a structured interview

A

When the questions are decided in advance

150
Q

Strengths of unstructured interviews

A

Detailed and in depth information obtained
Access information that may not be revealed from pre-determined questions
Deep insights into feelings and thoughts
You can tailor questions to specific responses
Good rapport - high in validity

151
Q

Weaknesses of unstructured interviews

A

More affected by interviewer bias then structured interviews
Requires well-trained interviewers
Low reliability - interviewer may behave differently or ask different questions
Hard to analyse answers
Body language

152
Q

What are semi structured interviews

A

Combination of both structured and unstructured interview techniques

153
Q

Strengths of structured interview

A

Can be easily repeated - standardised questions
Requires less skill than unstructured interviews
Easier to analyse than unstructured interviews

154
Q

Weaknesses of structured interviews

A

Interviewer bias may still occur
Social desirability may still occur
Data collected will be restricted by a pre-determined set of questions

155
Q

What is correlational analysis

A

When two or more variables (co-variables) are measured to identify if there is a relationship between them (e.g. height and shoe size)
A single numerical value is produced that is used to describe the relationship
There are three possible outcome - positive correlation, negative correlation or no correlation

156
Q

Strengths of correlational analysis

A

Can be used when it would be unethical/impractical to conduct an experiment
If correlation is significant, then further investigation is justified
If correlation is not significant, you can rule out a causal relationship

157
Q

Weaknesses of correlational analysis

A

Correlational analysis cannot demonstrate a cause and effect relationship between variables
There may be other unknown variable that can explain why the co-variables being studied are linked
Extraneous variables may lead to false conclusions

158
Q

What are correlation coefficients

A

Number between 0-1
Tells us how strong the correlation is - the nearer to 1, the stronger the relationship
It has a plus or minus sign in front of the number which tells us whether the correlation is positive or negative

159
Q

What do the different correlations show

A

Positive: Both variables increase (or decrease) together
Negative: As one variable increases the other decreases
None: No relationship between the variables

160
Q

What is the difference between experiments and correlations

A

It is not possible to establish cause and effect using correlation
You may find a strong link between thing but that does not necessarily mean one causes another. Instead you have found an association
E.g. there may be an association between caffeine and anxiety but there may be other interfering variables

161
Q

Nature and use of interviews

A

The situation in which a participant says something and the way they are behaving could be important.
Could help the interviewer to understand why something was said and the honesty of a statement
Clearly distinguish what is said by the participant from how they interpret it
Selection of data- can be difficult to summarise
Interviewee could be consulted about what to include and how to present it
Interviewer must be aware of how their feelings about the interviewee might lead to bias interpretations

162
Q

What is content analysis

A

Data is analysed as quotations, categories and summaries
Hypotheses are grounded in the data (developed during analysis)
Representative sample is first collected
Coding units are identified to analyse data
See how often that code appears

163
Q

On what type of data is content analysis used

A

Qualitative data- used with secondary data or data you have already collected.

164
Q

Process involved in content analysis

A

A representative sample of qualitative data is first collected e.g. from a newspaper
Coding units are identified to analyse the data
E.g. Coding unit could be an act of violence
The qualitative data is then analysed to see how often coding unit occur.
Statistical analysis can then be carried out

165
Q

Strengths of content analysis

A

A clear summary of the patterns in the data may be established
Once a coding system has been set up, replication is easy
This improves reliability

166
Q

Weaknesses of content analysis

A

Can be subjective
Reducing the data to coding units removes detail

167
Q

What is thematic analysis

A

Involves making summaries of data and identifying key themes and categories
1. Researcher becomes familiar with the data.
2. Researcher looks for different themes, reviews, defines and names them and writes a report
Can give the bases for hypotheses- grounded in the data

168
Q

Strengths of thematic analysis

A

Qualitative analysis preserves the details in the data
Creating the hypotheses during analysis allows for new insights to develop
Some objectivity can be established by using triangulation

169
Q

Weaknesses of thematic analysis

A

How do you decide which categories to use and whether something fits a category
How do you decide what to leave out of the summary
Subjective decisions

170
Q

What does a normal distribution look like

A

A symmetrical spread of frequency data that forms a bell- shaped pattern. The mean, median and mode are all located at the highest peak

171
Q

What does a skewed distribution look like

A

A spread of frequency data that is not symmetrical, where the data clusters to one end

172
Q

What does a negative distribution look like

A

A type of distribution in which the long tail is on the negative (left) side of the peak and most of the distribution is concentrated on the right

173
Q

What does a positive distribution look like

A

A type of distribution in which the long tail is on the positive (right) side of the peak and most of the distribution is concentrated on the left.

174
Q

What is validity

A

How accurate the experiment is

175
Q

What is internal validity

A

Internal validity - The study measures or examines what it claimed to measure or examine.

176
Q

What is external validity

A

External validity - The extent the results of the study can be generalised to others (also known as ecological validity)

177
Q

What are the types of validity

A

Internal validity
External validity
Ecological validity
Concurrent validity
Population validity
Temporal validity
Face validity

178
Q

Ecological validity

A

The study is generalisable to real life settings

179
Q

Concurrent validity

A

Results from a new test can be compared to a previously well- established test

180
Q

Population validity

A

Whether you can reasonably generalise the findings from your sample to a larger group of people

181
Q

Temporal validity

A

Assesses to what degree research findings remain over time

182
Q

What is reliability

A

Reliability is the overall consistency of a measure

183
Q

What is internal reliability

A

Internal reliability is the extent to which a test is consistent within itself

184
Q

What is external reliability

A

External reliability refers to the ability of the test to produce the same results each time it is carried out

185
Q

What are the methods to assess reliability

A

Inter-rater reliability
Split half method
Test-retest method

186
Q

What is inter-rater reliability

A

Two or more interviewers/observers must get the same outcome on 80% or more of the behaviours.

187
Q

What is the split half method

A

Compare an individual’s performance on two halves of a test

188
Q

What is the test retest method

A

A person repeats a test a month or so after doing the test the first time

189
Q

What is inter observer reliability

A

A test should give consistent results regardless of who is administering it.
Two researchers should observe behaviour and record the same scores

190
Q

What is random allocation

A

Everyone has an equal chance of doing either condition

191
Q

What is standardisation

A

Everything should be as similar as possible for all the participants

192
Q

How can you control extraneous variables

A

Random sampling creates more equality between groups

193
Q

What is the experimental group

A

The participants that are in the experiment who the researcher is testing

194
Q

What is a control group

A

The other condition where participants are taking part in the experiment, but no manipulation is used.

195
Q

Example of a laboratory study we have covered

A

Milgram

196
Q

Advantages of interviews

A

Rich data
Pilot study

197
Q

Weaknesses of interviews

A

Impractical
Ethical issues

198
Q

What type of data is content analysis and thematic analysis used for

A

Secondary

199
Q

What is social desirability bias

A

People usually try to show themselves in the best possible light. They might not be completely truthful but give answers that are more socially acceptable.

200
Q

How does social desirability affect validity

A

Not a true representation of someone’s opinions, thoughts and feelings

201
Q

What are demand characteristics in single and double blind trials and how are they controlled

A

Participants may have determined the aims of the study; they might act deliberately to please the researcher (or the opposite)
Controlled through counterbalancing and randomisation

A Level Psychology (22 decks)

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