research methods

Question 1

Why is psychology an evidence based discipline?

Answer 1

Psychology is an evidence based discipline because it is not reliant on good intentions and beliefs, makes recommendations based on scientific research (Clinical trial).

Question 2

What is the psychological research process steps (8 step process)

Answer 2

1. Research question and hypothesis
   2.Define variables and measurement
   3.Study design
   4.Sampling
   5.Data collection
   6.Analyse data
   7.Develop conclusions and report findings
   8.Think critically and refine hypothesis

Question 3

Explain what makes a psychological research unique.

Answer 3

-Psychological research is unique and challenging as psychologists investigate intangible mechanisms and attributes, that are not easily measurable. (Subjective ideas, feelings, hard to measure)

Question 4

What is a construct?

Answer 4

A construct is an intangible attribute, or hypothetical psychological mechanism that cannot be easily observed

Question 5

what is the definition of operational?

Answer 5

It involves investigating a construct indirectly by measuring its associated observational behaviors and experiences (Operationalizing the construct).

Question 6

Explain a psychological construct that can be measured?

Answer 6

-Happiness can be operationalized,for example to measure happiness, we can measure smiling behaviour, an operational behaviour of happiness.

Question 7

What is a research question?

Answer 7

broad question/idea and problem that you wish to investigate in a research project.

Question 8

How does a research process begin.

Answer 8

-Psychologists tend to choose research questions in areas of interest
-Research questions may be inspired by practicle problems, observation and theories, interests.
-Research questions develop from literature searcjes amd reviews, in order to gain an understanding of what research has been done in what area and what research is needed
-It involves thinking critically about the research.

Question 9

why do research questions need to be refined before they are tested?

Answer 9

-Research questions are often too broad and need to be refined into a specific question that can actually be tested.

Question 10

What are the defining features of a good hypothesis?

Answer 10

-logically follow from your literature review.
-Furthermore, there should be a logical argument supporting your hypothesis.
- very narrow and specfific
-The hypothesis should most importantly be testable.(meaning they have observable and measurable phenomina)

Question 11

What is a variable?

Answer 11

A variable is a characteristic/condition that can change, take different values for different people can be both intangible and defiant.

Question 12

What is an independent, dependent, continuous,Discrete variable?

Answer 12

Independent-Thing you change, the cause/ influential in hypothesized relationship.
Dependent-The thing you measure, effected/influenced by the independent variable.
Continuous-Decimal, fractional values between points on a scale. (Distance, weight and time)
Discrete- No decimals or fractions, only whole numbers.

Question 13

What is measurement?

Answer 13

Must make observations and assign corresponding values according to a scale that is relevant/ meaningful according to the context.

Question 14

what are the 4 scales of measurement?

Answer 14

-Nominal scale
-Ordinal scale
-Interval scale
-Ratio scale

Question 15

What is a Nominal scale?

Answer 15

Its measurement based on categories, also referred to as the “categorical” scale. No, intrinsic ordering, just different categories, differences in magnitude (numbers) only indicate differences in membership.

Question 16

What is an ordinal scale?

Answer 16

values in ordinal scale, only indicate order (i.e first,second thrid). Don’t indicate points or magnitude scale.

Question 17

What is an interval scale

Answer 17

Numbers indicate amount of something. There is no real 0. There are equal units of measurement separating 2 scores on the scale. There cant be an absence of something within interval scales.For example temperature.

Question 18

what is a Ratio scale?

Answer 18

In a ratio scale, numbers indicate the amount of something, equal units of measurement separately scores on the scale, however there is a real 0. For example, distance

Question 19

How are psychological variables operationalized in research?

Answer 19

Variables are operationalised within psychological research by using a measure.

Question 20

What is the relationship between measures and their scale of measurement?

Answer 20

The scale of measurement used is determined by the measure used.

Question 21

How does study design embody a research strategy?

Answer 21

Research design is a format and structure used for a research project (i.e what participants are called to do/what they aren’t supposed to do).

Question 22

What are the 5 types of research design:

Answer 22

-Descriptive research design
-Correlational design
-Experimental design
-Quasi-experimental research design
-Non-experimental design

Question 22

What is a Descriptive research design?

Answer 22

A descriptive research design involves measurement and the description of the natural state of individual variables as they are experienced by a certain group of people.
i.e nothing is manipulated, just observing and describing naturally occurring variables

Descriptive research design: Natural, no manipulation

Question 23

What is correlational design:

Answer 23

Correlational design is concerned with the investigation of relationships between variables; it involves no manipulation with variables allowing them to be observed as they just naturally exist. However, the presence of association between variables is assessed. Correlational design allows us to gather evidence about an association, however it doesn’t indicate causation.
i.e compares 2 groups of people with 1 variable.

Correlational design: Relationship between different groups and a variable, no manipulation between them.Doesnt indicate causation.

Question 24

What is Experimental design?

Answer 24

Experimental design involves determining the cause and effect in relationship between a variable. It involves manipulation of the independent variable. Controlled variables, and random assignment present. Important to note that experimental design allows for internal validity, as a level of confidence can be established in the direct relationship between the IV and DV. Experimental design: -Involves IV and DV, controlled variables and random assignment -Aims to demonstrate direct relationship between the IV and DV, with strong internal validity.

Question 25

What is a quasi-experimental research design?

Answer 25

Similar to experimental design, in the fact it aims to investigate the cause and effect relationship between the IV and DV. However there are less strong controls on the extraneous variables. Meaning the evidence is less thorough. Does not include random assignment. Quasi-experimental: -No random assignment, less strong controlled variables -Similar to experimental design, aims to prove cause and effect relationship between IV and DV.

Question 26

What is a non-experimental research design?

Answer 26

Aims to demonstrate relationship between variables however does not attempt to explain cause and effect. Involves one group of people but 2 variables. Variables are not manipulated, observed in a natural state. Non-experimental research design: -1 group of people, 2 variables. variables=no manipulation, does not explain cause and effect, however hopes to demonstrate relationship

Question 27

What is a population?

Answer 27

Population: Everyone of relevance to a research study. Note: Population is directly related to the research.

Question 28

What is a sample?

Answer 28

Sample: Group of people drawn from population to participate in research project. Samples are used to make a reasonable inference about the population, using what's accessible. Samples should aim to be as representative of a population as possible, to ensure confidence in this, specific strategies are used to get the sample.

Question 29

What are the types of sampling techniques?

Answer 29

-Probability sampling -Simple, random sample -Non-probability sampling -Conveniance sampling

Question 30

What is probability sampling?

Answer 30

-Population characteristics are known, probability of any particular individual being selected for research study can be determined.

Question 31

What is a random sample?

Answer 31

Random selection process ensures each individual in population has an equal probability of being chosen for sample. -Prevents selection bias -Doesnt ensure sample is representative of population.

Question 32

What are non-probability sampling techniques?

Answer 32

Unknown population characteristics, probability for sampling a given individual is not known. -Vulnerable to selection bias, sample may not be population representative.

Question 33

What is convenience sampling?

Answer 33

Sample comprises individuals of whom are easy conveniaant to recruit. -Sample may not be population representative. -Selection bias may be present. -Important that researchers are transparent about sampling decisions, given research context

Question 34

What is a common way to prevent bias within conveniance sampling?

Answer 34

Quotas, quotas identify subgroups within acessible populations, these supgroups are then used to equally represent each of them within a sample.

Question 35

How are ethical considerations a cornerstone of psychological research?

Answer 35

The consideration of ethical principles and its practice underlines the entire process of psychological research.

Question 36

What is the role of the national health and medical research council (NHMRC) in Australia?

Answer 36

-Psychological research in Australia is governed by recommendations by the NHMRC. Written in the national statement on ethical conduct in psychological research. -The document by the NHMRC withholds, the core guiding principles of research; merit, integrity, justice and respect.

Question 37

What are the core principles of psychological research?

Answer 37

-Merit -integrity -Justice -Beneficence.

Question 38

What is the principle of merit?

Answer 38

Merit= Research needs to be justified by the potential benefit for knowledge and tangible outcomes it can have. -Must be scientifically sound in terms of methodology and research ensuring that it is likely to achieve its aims. -To ensure merit, literature research should conducted. Since its valuable in informing the approach to the study.

Question 39

What is the principle of integrity?

Answer 39

-Research must be reported honestly and transparently, regardless of whether the hypothesis is supported. -This allows findings to be scruitinized and ensures it can contribute to public knowledge and integrity.

Question 40

What does the principle of justice mean?

Answer 40

Justice ensures the inclusion and exclusion of participants is fair and equittable. It aims to ensure no unfair burdens arent put on participants and participants are exploited, or the benefits for participants are distributed unfairly to participants.It also aims to ensure that the access to research is fair and equitable. Justice=all about fairness.

Question 41

what does the principle of Beneficence refer to?

Answer 41

Research needs to be justified y its benefits for participants and the community, that it would justify the risk/discomfort of participants. -Means designing experiments so risks are minimized and controlled, and participants are notified of risks.

Question 42

How are ethical issues assessed in terms of the core principles?

Answer 42

Researchers submit a research proposal to ethics advisory group/committee. The proposal provides account in terms of literature and context, detailed account of methodology and description of potential risks. Clear explanation of what participants will be asked to do and how they'll be supported. Its also important to note that a document is given to participants which includes a plain language statement and a consent form, debriefing the ethical considerations.

Question 43

What is critical thinking in psychological research?

Answer 43

critical thinking in relation to psychological research refers to the active process of scrutiny, an the active consumption of research, rather than just passively accepting claims.

Question 44

What are deductive arguments?

Answer 44

-Contain of broad premises aiming to reach a specific conclusion. (General premise, specific conclusion) -They are commonly used to derive suitable hypothesises to test a theory.

Question 45

What are valid and invalid deductive arguments?

Answer 45

Valid deductive argument: It involves a conclusion that necessarily follows from its premise, it also must be guaranteed to be true with each premise of the deductive argument being true. The conclusion must be true. It must be noted that a deductive argument isn't necessarily true. Invalid deductive arguments: If one of the premises of the conclusion contradicts the argument than it is an invalid deductive argument

Question 46

What is a sound deductive argument?

Answer 46

If all the premises are factually true than not only is it a valid deductive argument but it is also a sound deductive argument.

Question 47

What is an inductive argument?Why are they used?

Answer 47

An inductive argument is the premises of a specific observation that provide support for a broader inference, and a generalized explanation/theory. Inductive reasoning is typically used to explain/interpret results that come from psychological research. -Inductive arguments provide specific premises, however general conclusions -Inductive arguments dont provide absolute support for conclusions reached. -Inductive arguments provite probabilistic support. "more or less likely" reasoning

Question 48

What is a strong or weak inductive argument?

Answer 48

Strong inductive argument: Provide good "most likely argument" Weak inductive argument: Establish poor/bad "likeliness"