Research Methods Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is a experimental hypothesis?
a testable, measurable statement of prediction.
What is a directional experimental hypothesis?
when your hypothesis predicts results will go in one specific direction, includes words like increase, decrease.
what is a non directional hypothesis?
when it doesn’t not predict a specific direction. includes words like affect,influence
What is a null hypothesis?
when there is no significant relationship, no affect, no significant difference
What 3 things does a true experiment need?
- manipulation of an independent variable.
- randomise allocation to groups.
- control over variables
Name 4 types of experiment.
Laboratory
Field
Natural
Quasi
What is a Lab experiment?
It takes place in a controlled artificial environment.
Is a Laboratory experiment a true experiment?
yes
What is a field experiment?
Takes place outside of the laboratory in a natural setting, participants are not aware during experiment.
Is a field experiment a true experiment?
Y. researcher manipulates IV
N. high level of control
N. randomise allocation
What is a natural experiment?
Take advantage of a naturally occurring independent variable.
Is a natural experiment a true experiment?
no
What is a Quasi experiment?
when the IV is naturally occurring because it is an existing difference between people.
Is a Quasi experiment a true experiment?
No
What it the independent variable?
experimenter manipulates
What is the dependant variable?
experimenter measures
What is an extraneous variable?
any variable that if you have failed to control could affect your results in some way.
What is a confounding variable?
a variable you have failed to control that cant be separated from the IV. Therefore changes in the DV may be caused by the confounding variable rather than the IV.
What is independent groups?
It is an experimental design where participants take part in one condition of the IV only.
What is matched participants?
It is a type of experimental design where pairs of participants are created by matching them closely on specific criteria.
What is repeated measures?
it is a type of experimental design where all participants complete both conditions of the IV
What does participants variable mean?
it refers to each way each participants varies.
define external validity
the degree to which a research finding can be generalised
define internal validity
the degree to which an observed effect was due to the experimental manipulation rather than other factors such as confounding/extraneous variables.
