Research Methods 2017 Flashcards
(17 cards)
Define scientific method
Systematic approach for planning, conducting and reporting research which involves collecting empirical evidence
Define research method
A particular way of conducting a research study or investigation to collect data.
Define empirical evidence
Data collected directly by observation, or more frequently in psychology, through experimentation.
Define replication
Conducting a stud again to establish whether the results are reliable and can be generalised.
What is “I Have Made Cake and I Rock”?
Identify the research question Hypothesis Method Collect Data Analyse data Interpret data Report findings
Define the experiment
An experiment is used to test whether one variable causes a change in another variable.
It can establish cause and effect in an experiment.
The researcher manipulated and controls variable
What are extraneous variables?
A variable other than the IV that could cause a change in the DV.
When present, make accurate conclusions difficult or impossible.
What are examples of extraneous variables?
Experimentor: culture, age, religion
Participant: IQ, height, sex, mood
Environment: temperature, noise
What is the difference between population and sample?
Population is the entire group of research interest, from which the sample is drawn
Sample is the participants being studied in a particular research study, it is a smaller subsection of the population.
What is convenience sampling
Involves selecting participants based on how accessible the participants are to the experimentor,
Advantage: it is convenient, quick and easy
Disadvantage: Biased a participants that are selected tend to come from the same place and how something in common
What is random sampling?
Systematic and fair way of selecting participants, ensures that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected
Advantage: not biased, quick, inexpensive
What are longitudinal studies?
A study involving repeated observations of the same participants over a period of time.
The same participants are used, so participant extraneous variables are reduced.
What are cross-sectional studies?
Observes participants in a setting at one point in time.
What is a longitudinal sequential design?
Longitudinal + cross-sectional study
What are twin studies?
Used when investigating the development of abilities over a life span
What are adoption studies?
Comparing the traits of a child with their biological and adoptive parents, in order to observes the effects of genetics and the environment.
What are case studies?
In depth focus on the behaviour of one person or a small group.
- often used when large numbers of subjects are not available
- often used in clinical research
- drawbacks include: small sample size, lack formal control groups, susceptibility to researcher bias.
