Research methods Flashcards
Dependent variable
measured by the researcher
Independent variable
Deliberately manipulated by the researcher
Qualitative data
words and non-numerical data.
Advantage of qualitative
Rich in detail - participants views are represented in full. research topic explored in depth.
Disadvantage of qualitative
Difficult to analyse. Cannot be put into graphs/charts, difficult to draw conclusions.
Quantitative data
Numerical- can be categorised and ranked. How much/how long/how many.
Advantage of quantitative
Easy to analyse. Put into graphs/charts. Easy to draw conclusions and comparisons.
Disadvantage of quantitative
Lacks detail. Limited in response. Cannot be explored in depth.
Extraneous variables
Any variable other than the IV that my affect the DV if not controlled.
These are categorised into PIED.
Participant variables
Any characteristics of the participant that may affect the study.
E.g. mood, gender, personality, sexuality, age, experience, personal issues, mental health etc.
Investigator effects
Any cues from the investigator that encourage certain behaviours. This may allow researchers expectations to influence the results.
E.g. tone of voice/body language, what they say (encourage to score high/low), facial expressions, instructions.
Environmental variables
Any aspect of the environment/situation (other than the IV) that could unfairly influence the results.
E.g. temperature, lighting, noise level, time of day, amount of people, distractions etc.
Demand Characteristics
Any cues that reveal the aim of the study and then allow participant to change their behaviour.
- try to please the researcher to give the desired results.
- ruin the experiment, ‘screw you’ effect.
- More self conscious if they know they are being tested.
E.g. how instructions are given, socially sensitive research (mother and child), social desirability.
What are the advantages of a lab experiment?
High control over variables and easy to replicate
Lab experiments advantages - high control over variables
This means that research is conducted in the controlled setting of a lab which allows EVs to be controlled.
For example, the lighting, temp and noise levels can all be standardised.
This is a strength as the research will measure what it is intended to measure. HIGH INTERNAL VALIDITY.
Lab experiments advantages - easy to replicate.
This means that, as the research conditions are carefully controlled it can be done time and time again with the same variables.
This is positive as the findings can be tested for reliability (consistency)