Research Methods Flashcards
What is concurrent validity?
The extent to which a psychological measure relates to an existing similar measure
Why is it important that research is replicated?
To determine if the results are reliable, as if the same results are found in a reapet of the study it is the likihood of the difference found being due to chance is greatly reduced, improving external reliability of the study
What is the aim of research?
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study
What is a hypothesis?
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study.
What is a directional hypothesis?
States the direction of the difference or relationship
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Doesn’t state the direction of the difference or relationship
When do researchers use a directional hypothesis?
When a prior research findings suggests a particular outcome.
What is operationilisation?
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured
What are extraneous variables?
Any variable, other than the IV, that may affect the DV if it is not controlled. Unwanted variables identified at the start so then can minimise their influence
What are counfounding variables?
A type of EV but varies systematically with the IV. Therefore we can’t tell if any change in DV is due to the IV or CV
What are participant variables?
Any individual differences between ppts that may affecg the DV.
What are situational variables?
Any features of the experimental situation that may affect the DV
