Research Methods Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are the types of variables in research?
Independent, dependent, extraneous, confounding
Variables are crucial for manipulation and control in research.
What are the two main types of experiments?
Laboratory and field experiments
Natural and quasi-experiments are also types of experimental methods.
What are demand characteristics?
Cues that influence participants’ behavior
They can lead to changes in how participants respond in experiments.
What is the role of the British Psychological Society’s code of ethics?
To guide ethical conduct in psychological studies
It addresses ethical issues in research design and execution.
What self-report techniques are commonly used in research?
Questionnaires and interviews
These can be structured or unstructured.
What is the difference between population and sample?
Population is the entire group; sample is a subset
Sampling techniques impact the representativeness of the sample.
List some sampling techniques.
- Random
- Systematic
- Stratified
- Opportunity
- Volunteer
Each technique has implications for bias and generalization.
What are the three experimental designs?
- Repeated measures
- Independent groups
- Matched pairs
These designs help control for individual differences.
What controls are used in experimental research?
- Random allocation
- Counterbalancing
- Randomisation
- Standardisation
These methods enhance the validity of findings.
What is the difference between aims and hypotheses?
Aims state the purpose; hypotheses predict outcomes
Aims provide direction for research, while hypotheses are testable statements.
What are the types of hypotheses?
- Directional
- Non-directional
Directional hypotheses predict the specific direction of the relationship.
What are measures of central tendency?
- Mean
- Median
- Mode
These measures summarize data sets effectively.
What are measures of dispersion?
- Range
- Standard deviation
They describe the spread of data points in a data set.
What distinguishes quantitative data from qualitative data?
Quantitative data is numerical; qualitative data is descriptive
Different data collection techniques are used for each type.
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand; secondary data is analyzed from existing sources
Meta-analysis is a form of secondary data analysis.
What are the types of observational techniques?
- Naturalistic
- Controlled
- Covert
- Overt
- Participant
- Non-participant
These techniques vary in how they collect observational data.
What are positive, negative, and zero correlations?
- Positive: both variables increase
- Negative: one variable increases, the other decreases
- Zero: no relationship
Correlation does not imply causation.
What is the purpose of presenting quantitative data?
To visually display data for easier interpretation
Common methods include graphs, tables, and charts.
What is included in a consent form?
Information about the study, risks, and participant rights
It ensures ethical standards in research.
What is the role of peer review in the scientific process?
To evaluate the quality and validity of research before publication
Peer review helps maintain scientific integrity.
What are pilot studies used for?
To test the feasibility and design of research methods
They help identify potential issues before full-scale studies.
What factors are considered in observational design?
- Behavioural categories
- Event sampling
- Time sampling
These factors help structure the observation process.
What is the difference between correlations and experiments?
Correlations analyze relationships between co-variables; experiments manipulate variables to establish causation
This distinction is fundamental in research methodology.
What are the implications of psychological research for the economy?
Insights from psychological research can inform economic policies and practices
Understanding human behavior is crucial for economic decisions.
