research methods- experiments Flashcards
independant variable
this is the variable that changes or is manipulated by the researcher to see if it has an effect on the DV
dependant variable
this is the variable that the researcher measures to see the effect of the IV
operationalise
means to be specific and clear when defining the independent and dependant variable in an experiement so that it is easier to measure
why is it important to operationalise
- if it is vague, it wouldnt be possible to repeat the research to check for consistent results
-increases reliability/ replicability
aim
a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study
(always start with “to investigate”)
hypothesis
this is a specific, testable statement in which the researcher predicts what will happen between the variables
directional (one tailed) hypothesis
the researcher predicts the direction that they think the results will go in
(the diference they expect between the two conditions)
writing frams for directional (one tailed) hypothesis
there will be a significantly higher/faster/more (DV) when participants (1 IV) compared to when (2 IV)
Non- directional (two tailed) hypothesis
the researcher doesnt predict the direction that they think the results will go in but say “there will be a difference”
writing frame for Non- directional (two tailed) hypothesis
there will be a significant difference in (DV) when participants (1 IV) compared to when participants (2 IV)
Null hypothesis
states that the results will be becuase of chance and not the independent variable that the researcher changed
Null hypothesis writing frame
there will no significant diference in (DV) between (1 IV) and (2 IV)
extraneous variables
unwanted extra variable other than the IV that could have an effect on the DV- would lower the interal validity of the study
confounding variables
this is when an extraneous variable is not controlled for and does effect the DV and so becomes a confounding variable
describe Lab Experiement
- an experiemtent conducted ina lab which is a highly controlled environment where the researcher mnipulates the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable
strenghts and limitations of a lab experiment
+ high control over extraneous variables
+ high in reliability
- ecological validity
- prone to demand characteristics
describe Field experiement
An experiement which takes place in a natural environment where the researcher manipulates the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable
strenght and limitation of Field Experiment
+ less prone to demand characteristics
+ low in reliability
- low in reliablity
- ethical issues lack of informed consent
