All Research Methods Key Terms

Question 1

Define experimental method

Answer 1

Manipulation of IV to measure effect on DV. Experiments can be lab, field, natural or quasi.

Question 2

Define aim

Answer 2

Statement of what the research aims to study; the purpose of the study

Question 3

Define hypothesis

Answer 3

Clear, testable statement that states relationship between variables being investigated. Stated at start of each study

Question 4

Define directional hypothesis

Answer 4

States the direction of the difference

Question 5

Define non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

Doesn’t state the direction of the difference

Question 6

Define variable

Answer 6

Anything that can vary within an investigation.

Variables are used to determine if changes in one thing cause changes in another.

Question 7

Define IV

Answer 7

Aspect of experiment that’s being manipulated or changes naturally so researcher can measure effect on DV

Question 8

Define DV

Answer 8

Variable measured by researcher.

Any effect on DV should be caused by change in IV.

Question 9

Define opera

Answer 9

Clearly defining variable in terms of how they can be measured

Question 10

Define extraneous variables

Answer 10

Any variable other than IV that affects DV if not controlled. EV are nuisance variables and don’t vary systematically with IV.

Question 11

Define confounding variables

Answer 11

Any variable other than IV that has affected DV so true source of changes in DV is unclear. CV vary systematically with IV.

Question 12

Define demand characteristics

Answer 12

Cues from researcher/experiment that allow participants to work out the aim of experiment. This leads to participants changing behaviour within the experiment.

Question 13

Define investigator effects

Answer 13

Any effect of researcher’s behaviour on the research outcome (DV)
e.g. design of study and interaction with participants

Question 14

Define randomisation

Answer 14

Use of chance to control the effects of bias when creating an experiment and deciding the order of conditions.

Question 15

Define standardisation

Answer 15

Using the exact same procedures and instructions for every participant in the study.

Question 16

Define experimental design

Answer 16

Different ways in which testing of participants can be organised in the experiment.