Research methods Flashcards
(16 cards)
Experimental Method
Involves manipulating the IV to measure DV
Use controls to avoid confounding variables
Control of Variables
Extraneous variables = may affect results
Confounding variables = do affect results
Control using randomisation, standardisation
Hypothesis
Directional = predicts effect
Non-directional = just predicts difference
Null = predicts no effect
Experimental Design
Independent groups – diff pps per condition
Repeated measures – same pps, both conditions
Matched pairs – matched on key variables
Types of Experiments
Lab – high control, low ecological validity
Field – real-world, less control
Natural – IV not manipulated by researcher
Quasi – based on existing difference (e.g., gender)
Sampling
Random – every person = equal chance
Opportunity – whoever’s available
Volunteer – people sign up
Ethical Issues & Dealing With Them (5)
Consent
Deception
Protection
Confidentiality
Right to withdraw
Observational Techniques (6)
Naturalistic = real setting / Controlled = artificial
Covert = pps unaware / Overt = pps aware
Participant = researcher involved / Non-participant = not involved
Observational Design
Event sampling = record every time a behaviour occurs
Time sampling = record at set time intervals
Self-Report Techniques & Design
Questionnaires = open/closed questions
Interviews = structured / semi-structured / unstructured
Correlations
Shows relationship, not causation
Measured with scattergrams, correlation coefficient
Positive, negative, or no correlation
Other Research Methods
Case studies, content analysis, thematic analysis
Qualitative vs. quantitative methods
Measures of Central Tendency
Mean – average
Median – middle
Mode – most frequent
Measures of Dispersion
Range = highest - lowest
Standard deviation = spread from mean
Types of Data
Qualitative = words, rich data
Quantitative = numbers, easy to analyse
Primary = collected firsthand
Secondary = from other sources
Psychology and the Economy
Treating mental illness = reduces NHS cost
Research into memory = better police interviews
Workplace psychology = improves productivity
