Unit 2/Part 5: Research Methods Flashcards
Define the placebo effect.
The placebo effect in psychology experiments/studies entails a participants results differing if they have been told prior to an experiment what they will be tested on. This can lead them to give certain results due to what their beliefs are or what they think is expected of them.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
- Identify the area of research and form a research aim.
- Collect information.
- Identify the research question and formulate hypothesis.
- Design a research method to test the hypothesis.
- Collect and analyse the data.
- Draw a conclusion - accept or reject the hypothesis.
- Report findings.
- Test the conclusion.
Define operationalism.
Operationalism of a variable means that it is stated in terms that show how it is measured. For example:
- age – operationalised as age in total months
- IQ – operationalised as the score on a 40-item multiple choice test
- aggression – operationalised as the number of aggressive responses in an observed 30 minute period
What is a confounding variable?
It’s a variable other than the IV that has a systematic effect on the value of the DV (acts like a second, unwanted IV).
What are individual participant differences?
Type of extraneous variable. The C and E groups aren’t evenly matched on participant characteristics that could affect the DV. E.g. The C group has more males, older people and more aggressive participants.
What is the experimenter effect?
Type of extraneous variable. The experimenters actions influence the outcomes of the experiment. E.g. The experimenter treats the C group kindly, but the E group harshly.
What is non-standardised instructions and procedures?
Type of extraneous variable. The C and E group are treated differently (not just whether the IV is present). Differences such as instructions given, procedures (time of testing, conditions) influence results.
What is the single blind procedure?
Allocating participants to groups in such a way that they don’t know whether they are in E-group or C-group.
Wha extraneous variable does the single blind procedure overcome?
Placebo effect
How can the experimenter effect be overcome?
By using a double blind procedure, which ensures that neither the experimenter nor the participants are aware of which participants are in the E group of C group.
What is the double blind procedure?
A step taken to ensure that neither the experimenters nor the participants know who is in the E group and C group.
What is qualitative data and how can it be remembered?
Referring to descriptions of the characteristics being studied, in psychological research this could be emotional state and difficulty of task. It can be remembered by it being language based data, entailing open ended questions and is the quality of information.
What is quantitative data and how can it be remembered?
Referring to measurement; numerical information about the variables being studied. It can be remembered by being numerical based data and entailing close ended questions.
List 6 data collection techniques and describe them.
Case study - in depth and detailed study of an individual or group. Can include clinical tests, interviews or observations. Difficult to generalise findings due to small sample size.
Observation - watching someone and recording their actions. May be naturalistic observation (watching person or group in real life setting) or controlled (watching a person or group in an experimental lab setting)
Self report - individuals express their attitudes, beliefs and behaviours by answering questions. (Verbally or in writing)
Questionnaires - written responses to questions e.g. Survey can be open or close ended.
Interview - fixed questions to answer, can be structured or unstructured.
Brain imaging - e,g. CAT scan to look at brain damage.
Define reliability in terms of quality of research.
Reliability means that the research tool is consistent and accurate. Internal consistency is a form of reliability used to judge the consistency of results across items on the same test. Essentially, it’s the use of two similar questions, to test how similarly they are answered.
