RESEARCH METHODS Flashcards
Correlational Analysis
This term refers to a non experimental research method im which the researcher investigates a possible association between two variable, called co-variables. Data is presented on a scattergram. It involves measuring the strength of the relationship between co variables by calculating a correlations co-efficient. And example of a relationship is levels of obesity and incidence of coronary heart disease. Unlike experiments, correlations do not show a cause and effect relationship.
Correlation coefficient
This is a value calculated from the data collected in a study that shows the strength and direction of a relationship between co variables. Pearsons R test can be used with interval level data to calculate a correlations in coefficient Correlation coefficient values range from between -1 to +1. A value of –1 indicates a perfect negative linear relationship between co-variables, showing that as one variable increases the other decreases. A value of 1 indicates a perfect positive linear relationship which means that as one variable increases so does the other. A value of 0 indicates that there is no relationship between the co-variables studied. The closer the value is to -1 or +1 the stronger the relationship whether positive or negative. The closer the value is to 0 on either side, the weaker the relationship. Remember, correlation does not mean causation. This means that if a positive or negative relationship is found, we cannot conclude that one variable affected the other. We can only conclude that there is a relationship between the co-variables and ascertain the strength and direction of this relationship. Or we can conclude that there is no relationship between the co-variables.
Co variables
Are variables that are measured in a correlational study to see if there is a relationship between them. There is no manipulation of variables in correlational studies so there are no independent or dependent variables, only co-variables. This means that no causal conclusions can be drawn as correlation does not infer causation. No cause and effect can be found.
Counterbalancing
A technique used in research where the repeated measures design has been employed. It helps to even out order effects that can occur when participants experience all the conditions of the study.
Abstract
First section in a psychological report. It includes a summary of the aims, hypothesis, method, results and conclusions, and thus provides an overview of the entire report.
Aim
The purpose of the research
Bar chart
Used to show frequency data for discrete (separate) variables for example, bar charts are used to plot mean scores for conditions A & B separately
Behavioural categories
When conducting structured observations, psychologists hace to decide the specific behaviour should be examined. They need to operationalise the behaviour by breaking down target behaviour (aggression) into components like hitting and kicking
Bias
In the context of sampling, it means that certain groups may e under or over represented in the sample. This then limits to the extent to which the findings of the study can be generalised
BPS code of ethics
A document produced by the British Psychological society, which details the general principles that apply to the use for human participants in all research contexts, it focuses on four major principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity
Coding: content analysis
Places qualitative data into categories. Look at emerging themes and tally it
Concurrent validity
Assessing concurrent validity involves comparing a new test with an existing test to see if they produce similar results. If they do the new test is said to have concurrent validity
Content analysis
Is a method used to analyse qualitative data. In its most common form, it is a technique that allows a researcher to take quality data and to transform it into qualitative. The technique can be used for data in many different formats, for example, interview transcripts, film, audio recordings
Directional hypothesis
This is a one tailed hypothesis that states the direction of the difference or relationship (e.g. boys are more helpful than girls)
Ecological validity
Refers to the extent to which the findings can be generalised to a real life setting
Empirical method
Involves the use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation, in order to test or refine a theory
Event sampling
Used to sample behvi
