Research methods

Question 1

What are the two different types of hypothesis?

Answer 1

Non-directional and directional

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

An aspect of the experimental situation that the researcher manipulates so the effect of. the DV can be measured.

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

The variable measured by. the researcher.

Question 4

Operationalisation

Answer 4

Clearly defining variables in terms of how. they can be measured

Question 5

Extraneous variables

Answer 5

Any variable other than the IV having an effect on the DV

Question 6

Confounding variables

Answer 6

Any variable other than the IV. affecting the DV.

Question 7

Demand characteristics

Answer 7

Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by. ppts as revealing the purpose of the investigation

Question 8

Investigator effects

Answer 8

Any effect of the investigators behaviour on the research. outcome.

Question 9

Randomisation

Answer 9

The use of chance in order to control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.

Question 10

Standardisation

Answer 10

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.

Question 11

Independent groups design

Answer 11

Participants are allocated to different groups where each group represents on experimental condition.

Question 12

Repeated measures

Answer 12

All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment

Question 13

Matched pairs

Answer 13

Pairs of participants are first matched on some variables that may affect the DV. Then one member of the pair is allocated to A or B

Question 14

Random allocation

Answer 14

An attempt to control for participant variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance of being in one condition as any other.

Question 15

Counterbalancing

Answer 15

An attempt to control for the effects of order in a repeated measures design: half the participants experience the conditions in one order and the other half in another order.

Question 16

Lab experiment

Answer 16

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the. IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables.

Question 17

Lab experiment: Strengths and weaknesses

Answer 17

Strengths:

• High control over extraneous variables
• High internal validity
• Replication is more possible due to the high level of control

Weaknesses:

• Lacks generalisability
• Low external validity
• Give more rise to demand characteristics
• Low mundane realism

Question 18

Field experiment

Answer 18

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effects on the DV.

Question 19

Field experiment: Strengths and Weaknesses

Answer 19

Strengths:

• Higher mundane realism
• Produces behaviour that is more valid and authentic.
• High external validity

Weaknesses:

• Loss of control over. extraneous variables
• Important ethical issues (if a person does not know they are being observed)

Question 20

Natural experiment

Answer 20

An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effects on the DV.

Question 21

Natural experiment: Strengths and weaknesses

Answer 21

Strengths:

• Provide opportunities for doing research that may not have otherwise been done due to ethical or practical reasons.
• High external validity

Weaknesses:

• These events happen very rarely reducing the opportunities for research
• Ppts may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions.

Question 22

Quasi experiment

Answer 22

A study where the IV has not been determined by anyone- the variables simply exist, such as being old or young.

Question 23

Quasi experiment: Strengths and Weaknesses

Answer 23

Strengths:

• High internal validity
• High control over extraneous variables

Weaknesses:
- Cannot randomly allocate so more prone to confounding variables

Question 24

Sample

Answer 24

A group of people that take part in a research investigation, presumed to be representative of the target population.

Question 25

Sampling techniques

Answer 25

The method used to select people from the population.

Question 26

A random sample

Answer 26

All members of the target population. have an equal chance of being chosen.

Question 27

Systematic sample

Answer 27

When every nth member of the target population is selected.

Question 28

Stratified sample

Answer 28

The composition of the sample reflects the proportions of people in certain sub groups within the target population.

Question 29

Opportunity sample

Answer 29

Many. researchers simply decide to select any ppts who are willing and available.

Question 30

Volunteer sample

Answer 30

Involves the participants selecting themselves to be part of the sample.

Question 31

Random sampling: Strengths and Weaknesses

Answer 31

Strengths: - free from researcher bias -