Research Methods Flashcards
(23 cards)
Variables
IV- Variable that is manipulated
DV- Variables that change as a result of the IV
Extraneous- External variables that might affect the DV
Evaluation of the Experimental Method
- Easy to replicate due to high levels of control
- Cause and effect can be inferred
x Can be artificial, ecological validity
x Demand characteristics
Operationalisation
The process of making IV’s and DV’s testable, so different researchers know exactly what to do.
Lab Experiments
Takes place in a controlled environment, extraneous variables are controlled.
* Easy to replicate
* High degree of control
x Low ecological validity
x Demand characteristics
Field Experiments
Still manipulate the DV but is done a natural environment.
* High ecological validity
* Less demand characteristics
x Less control
x Ethical issues
Natural Experiments
All in a natural environment
* High ecological validity
* Allows study of sensitive issues
x Difficult to replicate
x Lack of control
Quasi Experiment
IV forms a participant e.g. studying alcohol and the participant is alcoholic
* High degree of control
* Replicable
x Random allocation of variables
x Difficult to find a sample if IV is there
Correlational Analysis
- Decide what variables you want to study
- Collect data
- Present in a scattergram
Evaluation of Correlation
- Allows preliminary research to be carried out to indicate if there is a link between variables
- Large amount of data
x Impossible to infer cause and effect
x Only measures linear relationships
Natural vs Controlled Observations
Natural- Observes naturally occurring behaviour
Controlled- Situation controlled by reasearcher
Participant vs Non Participant Observation
Participant- Researcher joins in the observation
Non Participant- Observed from the ‘outside’
Covert vs Overt Observation
Covert- Researcher is unknown to participant
Overt- Participants know they are being observed
Structured vs Unstructured Observation
Structured- Data is collected through a pre coded system
Unstructured- Data is collected adhoc
Evaluation of Observations
- More valid, actions speak louder than words
- Means of conducting preliminary research
x Observer bias
x Ethical problems
Carrying out Observations
- Decide on behaviour to be observed
- Controlled or naturalistic?
- Structured or unstructured?
4.Behavioural categories are decided - Time or event sampling?
- Correlate results for reliability
Questionaires
Closed questions- Predetermined answers, answered by ticking boxes
Open questions- Answers aren’t restricted
Design- Start with closed, move to open
* Large amounts of data
* Convenient
x Social desirability
x Might misinterpret questions
Interviews
Structured- Set list of questions
Unstructured- Start with a vague topic, no set questions
Semi structured- Start with set, adds new questions
* More flexible than questionnaires
* Encourage honesty
x Time consuming
x Investigator effects
Aims
- State the aim (To investigate…)
2.Investigate the IV on the DV
3.In correlations, discuss relationships
Experimental vs Non Experimental Hypothesis
Experimental- Prediction of what you expect to find
Null- No significant difference between groups
Alternative- Correlation, predict the nature between two variables
Null- No relationship
Directional vs Non Directional Hypothesis
Directional- One tailed
Non Directional- Two tailed
Independent groups
Different participants are used in each conditions
* No order effects
* Less chance of demand characteristics
x Need more participants
x Individual differences
Repeated Measures
Same participants used in all conditions
* No individual differences
* Fewer participants
x Order effects
x Some participants may not return
Matched Pairs
Match up too similar people and put into different groups
* No order effects
* Individual differences are reduced
x Matching is difficult
x Twice as many participants needed
