research methods

Question 1

independant variable

Answer 1

variable manipulated by the researcher.

Question 2

dependant variable

Answer 2

variable measured by the researcher to observe change due to IV

Question 3

controlled variable

Answer 3

other variables that the researcher controls to ensure changes to DV is solely due to IV

Question 4

3 types of psychological studies, briefly explain each

Answer 4

• controlled experiments (effect of IV on DV observed while other variables are controlled)
• case study (investigation of situation that includes complexities of real world)
• correlational study (researchers observe effect of IV on DV without active control or manipulation)

Question 5

3 controlled experimental designs, briefly explain each

Answer 5

• within subjects (same participants are used for control and experimental group)
• between subjects (different participants are used for control and experimental group)
• mixed design (contains elements of both designs)

Question 6

3 sampling techniques

Answer 6

• convenience sampling
• random sampling
• stratified sampling

Question 7

extraneous variables

Answer 7

variables other than IV that may cause an unwanted effect on the DV.

Question 8

confounding variables

Answer 8

extraneous variable that was not controlled for, and has now directly affected the DV

Question 9

examples of extraneous variables

Answer 9

only need to say a few
- participant-related variables (participant differences)
- order effects
- placebo effects
- experimenter effects (bias)
- non-standardisation
- demand characteristics

Question 10

how can extraneous variables be prevented

Answer 10

only need to say a few
- sampling size/method
- experimental design choice
- counterbalancing
- placebo
- single-blind procedure
- double-blind procedure
- standardisation
- controlled variables

Question 11

primary + secondary data

Answer 11

primary data is sourced from first-hand experience.
secondary data is sourced from other’s prior research.

Question 12

qualitative + quantitative data

Answer 12

quantitative data is numerical.
qualitative data is non-numerical.

Question 13

objective + subjective data

Answer 13

objective data is factual and free of personal opinion.
subjective data is informed by personal opinion.

Question 14

measures of central tendency, briefly explain each.

Answer 14

• mean (average)
• median (central figure)
• mode (most common figure)

Question 15

measures of variability

Answer 15

• range
• standard deviation

Question 16

accuracy

Answer 16

how close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured.

Question 17

true value

Answer 17

value that would be found if quantity could be measured perfectly.

Question 18

precision

Answer 18

how closely a set of measurement values agree with each other.

Question 19

systematic errors

Answer 19

errors in data that differ from true value by a consistent amount. affects the accuracy of the measurement.

Question 20

random errors

Answer 20

errors in data that are unsystematic and occur due to chance. affects the precision of the measurement.

Question 21

repeatability

Answer 21

extent to which successive measurements produce the same results when carried out under identical conditions within a short period of time.

Question 22

reproducibility

Answer 22

extent to which successive measurements produce same results when repeated under different conditions.

Question 23

validity

Answer 23

extent to which psychological tools/investigations truly support findings and conclusions.

Question 24

internal validity

Answer 24

extent to which an investigation truly measures/investigates what it claims to.

Question 25

external validity

Answer 25

extent to which the results of an investigation can be applied to similar individuals in different settings.

Question 26

ethical concepts

Answer 26

beneficence, integrity, justice, non-maleficence, respect

Question 27

beneficence

Answer 27

maximising benefits and minimising harms/risks.

Question 28

integrity

Answer 28

honest reporting of all sources of information, whether favourable or unfavourable.

Question 29

justice

Answer 29

fair consideration of claims, ensuring no unfair burden is put on a particular group for action. fair distribution and access to benefits.

Question 30

non-maleficence

Answer 30

avoiding causing harm. any harm should not be disproportionate to the benefits.

Question 31

respect

Answer 31

considering intrinsic value of living things. respecting decisions.

Question 32

ethical guidelines

Answer 32

confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, withdrawal rights, use of deception, debriefing.

Question 33

confidentiality

Answer 33

privacy and protection of participants personal info including deidentification.

Question 34

informed consent

Answer 34

processes that ensure participants understand the nature and purpose of the experiment and consent to participation.

Question 35

voluntary participation

Answer 35

ensures there is no coercion or pressure put on the participant to partake in experiment.

Question 36

withdrawal rights

Answer 36

right of participants to be able to discontinue their involvement at any time without penalty.

Question 37

use of deception

Answer 37

intentionally misleading participants about true nature of the procedure.

Question 38

debriefing

Answer 38

answering participant questions and providing support at the conclusion of the study. if deception was used, participant must be informed of true nature.