Experimental Methods Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is a Lab experiment
To investigate causal relationships under controlled conditions.
Identify 2 strengths of a lab experiment.
1) It’s well controlled so that extraneous variables are minimised and therefore results in higher internal validity,
2) It can be easily replicated (repeated) to check if the same results occur, supporting the external validity of the results.
Identify a weakness of a lab experiment.
1) It is an artificial environment, so participants may not behave as they do in everyday life because of lack of mundane realism, reducing the internal validity.
What is a field experiment?
A controlled experiment conducted outside of the lab where the IV is still manipulated by the experimenter and therefore a causal relationship can be seen.
Identify 2 strengths of a field experiment.
1) Less artificial, usually higher mundane realism and thus higher internal validity.
2) Avoids participant effects because they are unaware of the study which may increase internal validity.
Identify 2 weaknesses of a field experiment.
1) Extraneous variables are less easy to control because the experiment is in there real world (reduces internal validity)
2) There are still demand characteristics by the way the iV if operationalised.
What is a natural experiment?
A research method by which the experimenter cannot manipulate the iV directly, but where it varies naturally and the effect can be observed on a dependent variable.
Identify 2 strengths of a natural experiment.
1) Allows research where IV can’t be manipulated for ethical or practical reasons.
2) Allows psychologists to study ‘real problems’.
Identify 2 weaknesses of a natural experiment.
1) Can’t show causal relationships because the IV is not directly manipulated by the experimenter.
2) It can only be used where the conditions vary naturally.
What is a directional hypothesis?
Where it states the direction of the predicted difference between two conditions.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Where it predicts that there will be a difference between the conditions, but does not state what that difference is.
What is a pilot study?
A small scale study carried out before the real thing, to test any aspect of the design and make any improvements if necessary.
What is a double blind trial?
Where both the participant nor the experimenter are aware of the details and have no expectations.
What is content analysis?
A method by which behaviour is observed indirectly through written or verbal material such as interviews, conversations, books, diaries or TV programmes. Behaviour is categorised.
What is qualitative data?
Data that is descriptive through the use of words, meanings, pictures, texts etc. It cannot be counted or quantified.
What is quantitative data?
Data displayed in numerical form.
What are measures of central tendency?
A descriptive statistic that provides info about a ‘typical’ response for a data set.
What is a case study?
Involves a detailed study o a single individual, institution or event. Provides rich evidence but can be hard to generalise from.
Identify 2 strengths of case studies.
1) Offers in depth data, so all details are identified.
2) The complex interaction of many factors can be studied.
Identify 2 weaknesses of case studies.
1) It is difficult to generalise from individual cases as everyone has unique characteristics.
2) Often necessary to use recollection of past events so such evidence may be unreliable.
Identify 2 strengths of content analysis.
1) Has high ecological validity because they are based on direct observations of what people actually do.
2) Data retained or accessed by others, findings can be replicated and so tested for reliability.
Identify 2 weaknesses of content analysis.
1) Observer bias can occur which reduces objectivity and validity of the findings.
2) It’s likely to be culture-biased.
