Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Psychology AQA > Research Methods > Flashcards

Research Methods Flashcards

(59 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are independent groups?

A

When participants are split into (2 or more)
groups. Each group is exposed to a
different level of the IV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

3 Strengths of

independent groups

A 
-less chance of demand characteristics
(figuring out experiment/acting on cues)
-Same materials/tests can be used
-No order effects as they're doing less
then RM would do so there's less
confusion, boredom etc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

2 weaknesses of

independent groups

A
  • Researcher would need to recruit more
    participants then they would have to if
    they used repeated measures
  • Participant variables may affect results
    (if certain characteristics all end up in
    one group eg dyslexia, ADHD
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Matched pairs

A

When participants are matched by
certain characteristics in a pair, then split
up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

4 Strengths of matched pairs

A
  • fewer participant variables
  • No order effects
  • Low risk of demand characteristics
  • Same materials tests can be used
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

4 weaknesses of matched pairs

A 
- Difficult and time consuming to match
up characteristics
- More participants required than
other designs
- If one participant withdraws the whole
pair is lost
- Participants can't be matched on every
variable so there are some participant
variables
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Repeated measures

A

All participants are exposed to all the

levels of the IV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

2 strengths of

repeated measures

A

-Need fewer participants than you would
need for other designs
- No participant variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

3 weaknesses of

repeated measures

A
  • More chance of demand characteristics
  • Order effects like fatigue, boredom
  • Different materials/tests may be
    needed for each condition
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Random allocation

A

Participants are randomly split up.

Reduces bias

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Counterbalance

A 
Half of the participants do condition B
then condition A. The other half do
condition A then confusion B. Does
random order so gets rid of researcher
bias
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

IV

A

The variable that changes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

DV

A

The variable that the IV has an effect on

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Directional (one-

tailed) hypothesis

A

When you can predict the outcome of
the experiment and there’s previous
research

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Non-directional(two-

tailed) hypothesis

A

The outcome can go either way and

there’s no previous research

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Extraneous variable

A

Any other variable other than the IV that

could affect the DV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Situational variable

A

Concerns about the surrounding

environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Participant variables

A

Factors that are linked to the people
undertaking a study. Examples include
ages and gender

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

demand characteristics

A

The people in the study acting on cues
or looking for clues that might influence
how they behave

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Investigator bias

A

When a researcher acts in a way to

support their prediction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

confounding variable

A

A type of extraneous variable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

laboratory experiment

A

Carried out in a controlled environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Field experiment

A

Carried out in a natural environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

natural experiment

Study These Flashcards
A

Carried out in a natural environment

artificial place

25
Quasi experiment
When the IV is based on existing | differences between participants
26
Ecological validity
Is the behavior realistic/representative | Can it be generalised to real life
27
Independent groups
Randomly split into groups and each group is exposed to different levels of the IV
28
Matched pairs
They match characteristics in a pair then | separate them
29
Repeated measures
The same participants do all conditions
30
random sampling
Random selection everyone has an | equal chance
31
Opportunity sampling
Selecting those available at the time
32
Systematic sampling
Every nth person of the target | population is picked
33
Stratified sampling
Sub groups that are proportionate to | target population
34
Volunteer sampling
People who choose to be involved in | the study
35
Structured interviews
Have a fixed set of questions that may | be asked in a certain order
36
unstructured interviews
No set questions it's more of a flowing | conversation
37
Semi-structured interview
Ask pre set questions ur can ask follow up questions. Mix of structured + unstructured
38
Double blind procedure
The researcher and participant both won't know aims of experiment to prevent bias
39
How to write a | directional hypothesis
Participants in CONDITION 1 will (faster,higher,more) than participants in CONDITION 2
40
How to write a non- | directional hypothesis
There will be a difference in the DV in | CONDITION 1 and CONDITION 2
41
Null/alternative hypothesis
When the IV doesn't affect the DV
42
How to write a null/ | alternative hypothesis
The will be no difference in the DV in | CONDITION 1 and CONDITION 2
43
Peer review
The assesment of scientific work done by others who are specialists in same field to ensure any research intended for publications is of high quality
44
3 pieces of the review process
Purpose Process Pitfalls
45
Purpose
``` For quality assurance The intention of peer review is to ensure any research is of high quality Consider: validity, ethics, errors, originality and possible improvements ```
46
Process
``` Researcher sends report to editor of journal Editor of journal sends report to 3 psychological experts (referees) Referees analyse and comment on whether the editor should include it in publication Researchers identity is often kept anonymous to prevent bias ```
47
Pitfalls
'File drawer problem' where if the results aren't significant then researchers never end up publishing them. This is unfortunate for the idea of falsifying theories. Also a bias problem. Certain institutions like high end universities are more likely to get published
48
3 Strengths of peer review
Promotes and maintains high standard in research Helps prevent scientific fraud Contributes new knowledge to the field
49
2 Issues of peer review
``` If anonymity isn't maintained experts with a conflict of interest might not approve research to further their own career Findings that challenge exhausting understanding might be overlooked because it's not published ```
50
The sections of a scientific | report (6)
1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Method 4. Results 5. Discussion b. Reference
51
Abstract
``` Summary of key points like method, aims, key findings. Like a blurb It's important because it lets us know if it's worth reading ```
52
Introduction
Review of previous research and the hypothesis. Explain where the hypothesis comes from
53
Method
``` The type of research method Participants Designs Materials used Step by step procedure ```
54
Results
``` Include descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency (mean mode median) The 7 measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation) Inferential statistics ```
55
Discussion
Offer explanation for observes behaviour Consider implication of results Suggestions for future research
56
References
``` Full details of any mentioned articles/ books How to reference: Surname, initial (year) title Place published:publishers name ```
57
Demand characteristics
The people in the study acting on cues or looking for clues that might influence the way they behave
58
Experimenter variable
When a researcher acts in a way that might influence how they behave A chance in their personality appearance or conduct
59


Psychology AQA (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions