Research Methods Flashcards
What is Mundane realism?
Mundane realism is how effectively a study mirrors the real world.
The more realistic it is the easier it can be applied to the population.
What are Extraneous variables?
Extraneous variables are things about participants that affect results. (eg. age gender, culture)
Also does not change systematically with the independent variable but may have an affect on the dependent variable.
What is the Confounding variable?
Confounding variables are mistakes that the researcher has made(situational factors) (time,location) .
- They do not vary systematically with the IV.
What is Historical validity?
Historical validity is how well you can generalise a study to different time periods.
What is Population validity?
Population validity is a type of external validity. Which describes how well the sample can be compared to the population as a whole.
What is External validity?
External validity is the extent to which the results of a study can be generalised to and across other situations.
What is the Ecological validity?
Ecological validity is whether or not the settings in which the study is performed are approximate to the real world.
What are the features of a Lab study?
Lab studies tend to :
- Take place in highly controlled environments
- Have high internal validity
- Tend to have low ecological validity
- Has confounding variables
- Controlled IV and DV
What are the features of a Field study?
Field studies tend to :
- Take place in a natural environment
- Manipulate IV and records the effect on the DV
What are the features of the Quasi experiment?
Quasi experiments :
- The IV is based on an existing differences between people
- IV is not manipulated
What are the features of a Natural experiment?
Natural experiments :
- Experimenter cannot manipulate IV so the DV is simply measured and judged as an effect of the IV
What are Independent groups?
When participants are randomly placed into different groups so that each group experiences a different level of IV.
What are Repeated measures?
Repeated measures is where each participant takes on every condition of the experiment.
What is a Control group?
A control group is a group that receives no treatment.
What are the types of Sampling?
The types of sampling are :
- Volunteer
- Opportunity
- Random
- Systematic
- Stratified
What are Demand characteristics?
When the participants take a guess at the experiments purpose therefore compromising validity.
What is an Experimental group?
A group that receives treatment.
What is Volunteer sampling?
Volunteer sampling is where you advertise and accept applicants.
What is Opportunity sampling?
Opportunity sampling is where you ask whoever is convenient.
How is Random Sampling done?
Random sampling using a numbering system or computer program.
What is Systematic sampling?
Systematic sampling is where you use a list and choose the nth person.
What is Stratified sampling?
Stratified sampling is where you define relevant levels and then randomly select.
What is Nominal data?
Its a type of data that is used to label variables without providing any quantitative data.
What is Ordinal data?
Ordinal data is data that is presented in rank order.
