research methods Flashcards
What is the Experimental Method?
Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments may be laboratory, field, natural or quasi.
The experimental method is foundational in scientific research, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
What does the Aim of a study refer to?
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate: the purpose of the study.
The aim provides direction for the research and helps in formulating hypotheses.
Define Hypothesis.
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationships between the variables to be investigated.
A hypothesis is typically formulated before conducting the experiment.
What is a Directional hypothesis?
States the direction of the difference or relationship.
This type of hypothesis predicts a specific outcome, such as ‘A will be greater than B.’
What is a Non-directional hypothesis?
Does not state the difference.
This type of hypothesis simply suggests that there will be a difference, without specifying its direction.
What are Variables in an experiment?
Any ‘thing’ that can carry or change within an investigation.
Variables are essential in experiments as they help in understanding the relationship between different factors.
What is an Independent variable (IV)?
Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher - or changes naturally - so the effect on the DV can be measured.
The IV is what the researcher changes to observe how it affects the dependent variable.
What is a Dependent variable (DV)?
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV.
The DV is the outcome that is observed and measured in response to the IV.
What does Operationalisation refer to?
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
This process helps in making variables measurable and ensures clarity in research.
Define Extraneous variable (EV).
Any variable, other than the IV, that may have an effect on the DV if it is not controlled.
EVs can introduce noise into the results, making it difficult to determine the true effect of the IV.
What is a Confounding variable?
Any variable, other than the IV, that may have affected the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of changes to the DV.
Confounding variables can skew the results, leading to incorrect conclusions about the relationship between the IV and DV.
What are Demand characteristics?
Any cue from the researcher from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation.
These cues can lead to changes in participant behavior, potentially biasing the results.
Define Investigator effects.
Any effect of the investigator’s behavior (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome (the DV).
Investigator effects can arise from the way a study is designed or how participants are interacted with.
What is Randomisation in research?
Using chance - such as tossing a coin or picking names from a hat - to control for the effects of bias when designing a research study.
Randomisation helps ensure that the sample is representative and reduces systematic bias.
What are Standardised procedures?
Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.
Standardisation ensures consistency across all trials, enhancing the reliability of the findings.
What does Experimental design refer to?
The different ways in which participants can be organized in relation to the conditions in an experiment.
The design affects the validity and reliability of the results.
What are Independent groups in experimental design?
Participants are allocated to different groups where each group represents one experimental condition (level of the independent variable).
This design helps to avoid order effects, as different participants are used for each condition.
What are Matched pairs in experimental design?
Pairs of participants are matched in terms of variables relevant to the study, such as age, IQ.
This design aims to control for participant variables by ensuring that each condition has similar participants.
What are Repeated measures in experimental design?
When all participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.
This design can increase the sensitivity of the experiment but may introduce order effects.
Define Order effects.
An extraneous variable arising from the order in which conditions are presented (boredom, fatigue).
These effects can confound the results in repeated measures designs.
What is Counterbalancing?
Used in repeated measures designs to control for order effects. Half the participants complete the conditions in one order, and the other half in the opposite order.
This technique helps mitigate the impact of order effects on the results.
What is Random allocation?
An attempt to control for participant variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance of being in one condition as any other.
Random allocation promotes fairness and reduces bias in participant selection.
What is a maturity experiment?
An experiment where the independent variable is naturally occurring
The experimenter records the effect of the change on the dependent variable.
What is a quasi-experiment?
A study that involves existing variables, such as age, that are not manipulated by the researcher
Strictly speaking, this is not an experiment.
