research methods

Question 1

pseudoscience

Answer 1

Ideas formed without empirical evidence or the use of scientific
methods or principles.

Question 2

independent variable

Answer 2

The variable for which quantities are manipulated by the researcher, and is assumed to have a direct effect on the
dependent variable.

Question 3

dependent variable

Answer 3

The variable the researcher measures for changes it may experience due to the effect of the independent variable.

Question 4

population

Answer 4

The group of people that are the focus
of the research to which findings from
the sample can be generalised to.

Question 5

sample

Answer 5

A subset of the research population who participate in a study

Question 6

scientific

Answer 6

Ideas and theories generated through
observation and experiment.

Question 7

variable

Answer 7

A condition or component of an experiment that can be measured
or manipulated.

Question 8

experiment

Answer 8

When a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables is measured in a
controlled environment.

Question 9

controlled experiment

Answer 9

A type of investigation that measures the causal relationship between one
or more independent variables and a dependent variable, whilst controlling
for all other variables.

Question 10

extraneous variable

Answer 10

Any variable that is not the independent variable, but may cause
an unwanted effect on the dependent variable.

Question 11

controlled variable

Answer 11

Variables other than the IV that a researcher holds constant (controls) in an investigation, to ensure that changes in the DV are solely due to
changes in the IV.

Question 12

control group

Answer 12

The group of participants who receive no experimental treatment or
intervention to serve as a baseline for comparison.

Question 13

experimental group

Answer 13

The group of participants exposed to a manipulated independent variable.

Question 14

between-subjects design

Answer 14

An experimental design in which individuals are divided into different
groups and complete only one experimental condition.

Question 15

within-subjects design

Answer 15

An experimental design in which participants complete every
experimental condition.

Question 16

mixed-method design

Answer 16

An experimental design which combines different elements of
within-subjects and between-subjects
designs.

Question 17

correlational study

Answer 17

A study in which researchers observe and measure the relationship between
two or more variables without any active control or manipulation.

Question 18

generalise

Answer 18

Using a sample’s results to make conclusions about the wider research
population.

Question 19

generalisability

Answer 19

The ability for a sample’s results to be used to make conclusions about the wider research population.

Question 20

convenience sampling

Answer 20

Sampling readily available members of
the population.

Question 21

random sampling

Answer 21

Any sampling technique that uses
a procedure to ensure every member of the population has the same chance of being selected.

Question 22

stratified sampling

Answer 22

A sampling technique that involves selecting people from the population in a way that ensures that its strata (subgroups) are proportionally
represented in the sample.

Question 23

random allocation

Answer 23

Every member of the sample has an equal chance of being
in the control or experimental group.

Question 24

participant-related variables

Answer 24

Characteristics of a study’s participants
that may affect its results.

Question 25

non-standardised instructions and procedures

Answer 25

When directions and procedures differ across participants or experimental conditions.

Question 26

order effects

Answer 26

The tendency for the order in which participants complete experimental conditions to have an effect on their behaviour.

Question 27

placebo effect

Answer 27

When participants respond to an inactive substance or treatment as a result of their expectations or beliefs.

Question 28

experimenter effects

Answer 28

When expectations of the researcher affects the results of an experiment.

Question 29

confounding variable

Answer 29

A variable other than the IV that has a systematic effect on the DV.

Question 30

systematic effect

Answer 30

A reliable and predictable effect.

Question 31

counterbalancing

Answer 31

A method to reduce order effects that involves ordering experimental conditions in a certain way.

Question 32

single-blind procedure

Answer 32

A procedure in which participants are unaware of the experimental condition they have been allocated to.

Question 33

double-blind procedure

Answer 33

A procedure in which both participants and the experimenter are unaware of the experimental conditions participants have been allocated to.

Question 34

systematic error

Answer 34

Errors in data that differ from the true value by a consistent amount.

Question 35

random error

Answer 35

Errors in data that are unsystematic and occur due to chance.

Question 36

accuracy

Answer 36

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

Question 37

precision

Answer 37

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

Question 38

validity

Answer 38

The extent to which a tool measures what it is supposed to measure.

Question 39

internal validity

Answer 39

The extent to which a tool measures what it claims to.

Question 40

external validity

Answer 40

The extent to which the results of a study can be applied to similar people in different settings.

Question 41

repeatability

Answer 41

The extent to which successive measurements or studies produce the same results when carried out under the same conditions.

Question 42

reproducibility

Answer 42

The extent to which successive measurements or studies produce the same results when carried out under the different conditions.

Question 43

generalisation

Answer 43

A statement that relates the findings of an investigation to the wider population.

Question 44

ethical concept

Answer 44

The broad, moral guiding principles that people should consider when conducting research, practice, or examining a psychological issue.

Question 45

ethical guidelines

Answer 45

The procedures and principles used to ensure that participants are safe and respected.

Question 46

voluntary participation (EC)

Answer 46

participants must willingly and freely sign up to be involved in research.

Question 47

informed consent (EC)

Answer 47

participants must understand the nature and purpose of the study, including any risks.

Question 48

withdrawal rights (EC)

Answer 48

participants may leave the study at any time, including removing already obtained results.

Question 49

deception (EC)

Answer 49

participants must know the purpose of the study, unless it will influence their behaviour in the research. If deception is used, it must be addressed during debriefing.

Question 50

debriefing (EC)

Answer 50

participants are informed of the aims, results and conclusions of the study and are provided with psychological support as needed

Question 51

confidentiality (EC)

Answer 51

participants’ privacy should be protected, and no identifying information should be included in the research.

Question 52

very intelligent women don't drink coffee (VIWDDC)

Answer 52

ethical concepts

Question 53

beneficence (EG)

Answer 53

is the consideration of the benefits or gains from research in relation to the risks.

Question 54

non-maleficence (EG)

Answer 54

is the idea that any potential harm should be avoided and minimised as much as possible.

Question 55

justice (EG)

Answer 55

is the distribution of fair access to the benefits of research to everyone, ensuring that there is no burden on one group, and ensuring that any opposing claims are considered.

Question 56

integrity (EG)

Answer 56

is the commitment to search for knowledge, and then honestly report information and findings.

Question 57

respect (EG)

Answer 57

is the belief that everyone has value in regards to their welfare and beliefs, and has a right to make their own decisions.