Research Methods Definitions Flashcards
Aim
The researcher’s area of interest – what they are looking at (e.g. to investigate helping behaviour).
Bar Chart
A graph that shows the data in the form of categories (e.g. behaviours observed) that the researcher wishes to compare.
Behaviour Categories
Key behaviours or, collections of behaviour, that the researcher conducting the observation will pay attention to and record
Case Study
In-depth investigation of a single person, group or event, where data are gathered from a variety of sources and by using several different methods (e.g. observations & interviews).
Closed Questions
Questions where there are fixed choices of responses e.g. yes/no. They generate quantitative data
Co-variables
The variables investigated in a correlation
Concurrent Validity
Comparing a new test with another test of the same thing to see if they produce similar results. If they do then the new test has concurrent validity
Confidentiality
Unless agreed beforehand, participants have the right to expect that all data collected during a research study will remain confidential and anonymous.
Confounding Variable
An extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV so we cannot be sure of the true source of the change to the DV
Content Analysis
Technique used to analyse qualitative data which involves coding the written data into categories – converting qualitative data into quantitative data.
Control Group
A group that is treated normally and gives us a measure of how people behave when they are not exposed to the experimental treatment (e.g. allowed to sleep normally).
Controlled Observation
An observation study where the researchers control some variables - often takes place in laboratory setting
Correlational Analysis
A mathematical technique where the researcher looks to see whether scores for two covariables are related
Counterbalancing
A way of trying to control for order effects in a repeated measures design, e.g. half the participants do condition A followed by B and the other half do B followed by A
Covert Observation
Also known as an undisclosed observation as the participants do not know their behaviour is being observed
Critical Value
The value that a test statistic must reach in order for the hypothesis to be accepted.
Debriefing
After completing the research, the true aim is revealed to the participant. Aim of debriefing = to return the person to the state s/he was in before they took part.
Deception
Involves misleading participants about the purpose of s study.
Demand Characteristics
Occur when participants try to make sense of the research situation they are in and try to guess the purpose of the research or try to present themselves in a good way.
Dependent Variable
The variable that is measured to tell you the outcome.
Descriptive Statistics
Analysis of data that helps describe, show or summarize data in a meaningful way
Directional Hypothesis
A one-tailed hypothesis that states the direction of the difference or relationship (e.g. boys are more helpful than girls).
Dispersion Measure
A dispersion measure shows how a set of data is spread out, examples are the range and the standard deviation
Double Blind Contorl
Participants are not told the true purpose of the research and the experimenter is also blind to at least some aspects of the research design.
