Research Methods + Ethical Concepts & Guidelines

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

The variable that is manipulated, controlled and changed.

Question 2

What is the dependent variable?

Answer 2

The variable that is measured

Question 3

What is an extraneous variable?

Answer 3

A variable other than the IV that can affect the DV, and the results of the experiment.

Question 4

What a controlled variable?

Answer 4

The variable that is held constant to ensure that the only influence on the DV is the IV.

Question 5

What is the cofounding variable?

Answer 5

An unwanted variable that affects the results of the investigation.

Question 6

Population of Interest

Answer 6

The wider group of people that the researcher is interested in understanding.

Question 7

Sample

Answer 7

The smaller group selected from the population that participate in the experiment to represent the population.

Question 8

What is random sampling?

Answer 8

Each member in the population has an equal chance at being selected. Eg. Lottery system, Wheel of Names.

Question 9

Limitations and Strengths of random sampling

Answer 9

A strength could be that a big enough sample is likely representative of the population. A limitation is small samples may not be as accurate to the larger population.

Question 10

What is stratified sampiling?

Answer 10

Dividing the population into subgroups, then randomly selecting participants from each subgroup in proportion to how they appear in the population.

Question 11

Ethical Concept: Beneficence

Answer 11

Having a commitment to do good ( and minimize risk and harm)

Question 12

Ethical Concept: Integrity

Answer 12

Acting with honesty and transparency

Question 13

Ethical Concept: Justice

Answer 13

Ensuring fair distribution of benefits, risks, cost and resources.

Question 14

Ethical Concept: Non-maleficence

Answer 14

Avoiding harm or ensuring potential harm is outweighed by benefits.

Question 15

Ethical Concept: Respect

Answer 15

Giving due regard to individual differences and ensuring the right to autonomy and choice

Question 16

Ethical Guidelines: Confidentiality

Answer 16

Ensuring the privacy of participant’s personal information

Question 17

Ethical Guideline: Debriefing

Answer 17

After the experiment, disclosing the aim, results, and conclusions, answering questions and providing support

Question 18

Ethical Guideline: Informed Consent

Answer 18

Ensuring participants understand the nature, purpose and risks of the study before agreeing to participate.

Question 19

Ethical Guideline: Use of deception in research

Answer 19

Concealing aspects of the study (only used when absolutely necessary, and must be accompanied my research)

Question 20

Ethical Guideline: Voluntary Participation

Answer 20

Ensuring there is no coercion or pressure to participate.

Question 21

Ethical Guideline: Withdrawal Rights

Answer 21

Allowing participants to discontinue involvement in an experiment, without penalty.

Question 22

Between-Subjects Design (also called Independent Groups Design)

Answer 22

Different participants are assigned to each level of the independent variable (IV). Each participant experiences only one condition.

Question 23

Limitations and Strengths of Between Subject Designs

Answer 23

Advantages:
No order effects (e.g., fatigue or practice).
Simpler to administer.

Disadvantages:
Participant differences can affect results.
Requires more participants.

Question 24

Within-Subjects Design (also called Repeated Measures Design)

Answer 24

The same participants are exposed to all conditions of the IV. Each person acts as their own control.

Question 25

Limitations and Strengths of Within-Subject Designs

Answer 25

Advantages: Controls for individual differences. Requires fewer participants. Disadvantages: Order effects (e.g., practice, fatigue). Counterbalancing is needed to reduce bias.

Question 26

Mixed Design

Answer 26

Combines between-subjects and within-subjects elements. One IV is tested between groups, and another IV is tested within the same participants.

Question 27

Limitations and Strengths of Mixed Design

Answer 27

Advantages: Allows for more complex hypotheses. Balances the strengths of both designs. Disadvantages: More complex to design and analyze. Still vulnerable to order effects and participant differences.