Research methods

Question 1

Scientific processes

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

The general purpose of an experiment, made by an experimenter telling us what they plan to investigate. Aims develop from theories and are from reading about other similar information.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

A precise statement clearly stating the relationship between the variables being investigated, hypotheses can either be directional or non-directional.

Question 4

How to choose a suitable hypothesis
Directional

Answer 4

Based upon previous research, tends to already be a range of research which has been carried out realting to the aim of the researchers investigation.
States the direction of the relationship that will be shown between the two variables

Question 5

Relationship=test of relationship

Answer 5

Relationship not mentioned=test of difference

Question 6

Non-directional

Answer 6

No previous research, doesn’t state the direction of the varibles.

Question 7

How to write a hypothesis

Answer 7

1. Highlight if it mentions previous research
2. Highlight if it mentions relationship
3. Highlight the variables
4. Operationalise the variables (make them specific to the scenario)

Question 8

Non-directional relationship

Answer 8

There will be a relationship between the DV and DV

Question 9

Non-directional differrence

Answer 9

There will be a difference betwen the DV and DV

Question 10

Directional relationship

Answer 10

There will be a positive/negative relationship between the DV and DV

Question 11

Directional difference

Answer 11

There will be a positive/negative difference between the DV and DV.

Question 12

Pilot study

Answer 12

Small scale trial run of an experiment before the real experiment

Question 13

Purpose of a pilot study

Answer 13

Check for any potential problems which they can then modify the design or procedure to correct.
Allows money and time to be saved in the long run

Question 14

Pilot experiments

Answer 14

-timing
-instructions are clear and understood
-ask participants for feedback/improvements
-check materials

Question 15

Pilot interview/questions

Answer 15

Test a few qs to check for understanding

Question 16

Pilot Observations

Answer 16

check behavioural categories/coding system

Question 17

Questionnaire

Answer 17

Assess a persons thoughts or experiences through a number of different written question

Question 18

Open questions

Answer 18

Questions phrased in a way pp is free to answer however they like, no restritictions this produces qualitative data

Question 19

Advantages

Answer 19

rich in depth detail,
useful for sensitive topics in which they can elaborate on their answer

Question 20

disadantages

Answer 20

difficult to ananlyse can’t easily be converted into statatistical data

Question 21

Closed questions

Answer 21

restricuts you to answer to specific fixed questions collects quantitative data

Question 22

advatages

Answer 22

easy to analyse