Biopsychology - PRACTICAL CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH Flashcards
Progression Exam
Title
Practical Correlational Research
A correlational study to investigate whether there is a relationship between testosterone levels and aggression levels.
Aim
Practical Correlational Research
To investigate, using a correlational study, whether testosterone levels can be linked to aggression level
Identify and operationalise co-variable 1
Practical Correlational Research
Testosterone levels
4D (ring finger) + 2D (index finger) ratio
Averaged across both hands + measured in mm
Gives indication of testosterone levels in womb
Strength of co-variable 1
Practical Correlational Research
- Easy to replicate = reliability
- Measurements checked by other
Weakness of co-variable 1
Practical Correlational Research
- Measure of womb-level, not current, level of testosterone - not entirely reliable + valid measure
Identify and operationalise co-variable 2
Practical Correlational Research
Aggression levels
Each participanr has aggression rated using Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (5-point-scale, self-rated)
Strength of co-variable 2
Practical Correlational Research
- Quick + easy way to collect data + cheap - only took 15 mins to complete questionnaire
Weakness of co-variable 2
Practical Correlational Research
- Self-rated, so may not be completely valid - P’s may give socially-desirable answers
Ha hypothesis
Practical Correlational Research
There will be a positive correlation between testosterone, using the 4D/2D ratio measured in mm across both hands, and aggression, measured by self-rating, using the Buss-Perry Aggression Scale.
Ho hypothesis
Practical Correlational Research
There will be no correlation between testosterone, using the 4D/2D ratio measured in mm across both hands, and aggression, measured by self-rating, using the Buss Perry Aggression scale.
Identify the sampling technique and describe the sample. Evaluate with one strength and weakness.
Practical Correlational Research
Opportunity sampling
Psychology students at Reigate College, ages 16-17, mostly females
Easy and of convenience, but may provide a biased sample.
Results
Practical Correlational Research
Positive correlation: Higher testosterone correlates with higher aggression score from Buss-Perry’s Aggression Scale.
Acception of alternate hypothesis: There will be a positive correlation between testosterone, using the 4D/2D ratio measured in mm across both hands, and aggression, measured by self-rating, using the Buss-Perry Aggression Scale.
Statistics test used for this study
Practical Correlational Research
Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient
Conclusion
Practical Correlational Research
The results have showed that there is a significant relationship between testosterone and aggression. This is because thers value was 0.818 and this was higher than the critical value of 0.380. This was for a 0.05 level of significance for a one-tailed test with the N as 15
Strength of the study
Practical Correlational Research
Internal validity - use of self-report method to gain info about aggression levels, allowing direct questions about feelings. Allows clearer understanding on how people feel about their own aggression, increasing validity. E.g. Questions in Bus Perry Agression Q about previosu experience, no need for inference.
Strong ethics - questionnaire results annonymous therefore study is confidential.
Weakness of study
Practical Correlational Research
Students know aim of the study therefore self-report may not have been accurate. Eg. class study so students would be familiar with aim + nature of study.
Very low generalisability - P’s mostly girls, 16-17 y.o, all Reigate College Psych students. Different to generalise beyond, therefore lowers reliability.
