Research Methods Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is a null hypothesis
A hypothesis that predicts no relationship
What is an alternative hypothesis?
A hypothesis that predicts there will be a difference
What is the two types of directional hypothesis?
Directional/one tailed hypothesis
Non-directional/2 tailed hypothesis
What is a directional/one tailed hypothesis?
A hypothesis that has a direction in which the results are expected to go (score more/complete quicker)
What is a non-directional/2 tailed hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states a difference but no direction (there will be a difference)
What is meant by operationalisation of variables?
Operationalised means to have clear measurements of what and how ,so the study can be repeated
What are extraneous variables?
Additional or unwanted variables which are identified before the study and where possible, controlled or removed
What are confounding variables?
Variables which changed the IV, usually identified after the study or can’t be controlled
What is the procedure of independent groups design?
Participants only take part of one condition of the experiment
What is the procedure of repeated measures experimental design?
All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment
What is the procedure of matched pears experimental design?
Pair of participants are matched in terms of key variables, e.g.Age, socioeconomic status.
One member of each pair is placed into the experiment group and the other into the control group
What are some strengths and limitations of the independent groups design?
Strengths:
1)order effects cannot be observed
2) data collection will be less time consuming
Limitations:
1) different participants for each condition – difficult/expensive
2) risk of participant variables (individual differences between participants)
What are some strengths and limitations of repeated measures experimental design?
Strengths:
1) results won’t be subject to participant variables, the IV will affect the DV
2) extra participants don’t need to be recruited
Limitations:
1) risk of observing order effects (practice/fatigue) demand characteristics
2) if participant drops out data will be lost from all conditions
Strengths and limitations of match pairs experimental design
Strengths:
1) order effects not observed
2) reduces risk of participant variables
Limitations:
1) recruit for each condition – difficult/expensive
2) matching is a complex process, will be difficult to match participants identically
What is a sample?
A group of people who take part and research from the target population, will be proportional to the target population
Description of the random sampling technique
Gives every member of the target population and equal chance of being selected for the sample
Description of the systematic sampling technique
Researchers select members of the population at a regular interval, determined in advance (Nth)
Description of stratified sampling technique
Classifying the target population into categories and then choosing a sample which consists of participants from each category in the same proportions as they are in the target population
Describe the opportunity sampling technique
Participants who are both accessible and willing to take part are targeted
Describe the volunteer sampling technique
Sample consists of people who have self-selected themselves to be in the study
Description of laboratory experimental method
Performed in a controlled environment using standardised procedures with participants randomly allocated to groups
Description of field experimental method
Occur in real world settings. The IV is still manipulated by the experimenter and as many variables as possible are controlled
Description of the natural experimental method
The IV Vories naturally. The experimenter does not manipulate it but simply measures the effect on the DV.
Description of the quasi experimental method
The IV occurs naturally. The experimenter is unable to change the IV or randomly allocate the participants to conditions.