Research Methods ; Experiments, Pilot Studies , Obersvations , Questionnairs and Interviews

Question 1

What is a laboratory experiment?

Answer 1

• An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment
• The researcher manipulated the IV and records an effect on DV
• strict control of extraneous variables

Question 2

What is a field experiment?

Answer 2

• An experiment takes place in a natural setting

- Researcher manipulates the IV and records an effect on the DV

Question 3

What is a Natural Experiment?

Answer 3

• Change in IV is not brought by the researcher
• would have happened even if the researcher had not been there
• researcher records affect on DV

Question 4

What is a Quasi experiment ?

Answer 4

• almost an experiment but the IV has not been determined by anyone.
• variables simply exist ( old or young )

Question 5

what is a pilot study?

Answer 5

Small scale version of an investigation that takes places before the rest of the investigation is conducted

Question 6

what are strengths of pilot studies

Answer 6

• save time and money in the long run
• data collected will be valid
• allows researcher a chance to practice

Question 7

what are limitations of pilot studies?

Answer 7

participants are required

• could be a waste of time and money if no changes required
• could lead to the study being shared

Question 8

What is an observation?

Answer 8

• non experimental method therefore they cannot establish cause and effect
• they can be used within experiments to assess the dependant variable (Zimbardo Prison)

Question 9

describe a naturalistic observation

Answer 9

• watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which is would normally occur

Question 10

describe a controlled observation

Answer 10

• watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment
  for eg one where some variables are managed

Question 11

describe a covert observation

Answer 11

The participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their permission knowledge or consent p

Question 12

describe an overt observation

Answer 12

participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 13

describe a participant observation

Answer 13

the researcher becomes a member of the group who’s behaviour he/she is watching or recording

Question 14

describe a non participant observation

Answer 14

the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording

Question 15

Define unstructured

Answer 15

• type of observation where behaviours is recorded in little detail
• useful if behaviours researches are investigating do not occur very often

Question 16

define structured

Answer 16

• type of observation where researcher uses various systems to organise observations
  such as : sampling techniques and behavioural categories

Question 17

Define target behaviour

Answer 17

• Behaviours which are the main focus of the investigation

Question 18

Define behavioural categories

Answer 18

• target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable

Question 19

Define behavioural checklist

Answer 19

• checklist of behaviours to be observed in individual components
• each component should be observable behaviour which is measurable

Question 20

Define continuous recording

Answer 20

• making a note of everything without pause

Question 21

Define event sampling

Answer 21

• researcher records number of times a particular behaviour or event occurs in a target individual or group

Question 22

Define time sampling

Answer 22

• researcher records behaviour within a pre determined time frame

Question 23

define inter observer reliability

Answer 23

• extent to which the argument between two or more observers involved in the observation of a behaviour
• measured by correlating observations of two or more observers
• correlation between two observers is +0.8 the date is said to have high inter observer reliability

Question 24

Define Quantitative

Answer 24

data that can be counted

given in numbers

Question 25

Define qualitative

Answer 25

data that is expressed in words | non numerical form

Question 26

Define observer bias

Answer 26

- observes expectations affect what they see or hear | reduces validity of the findings of the observation

Question 27

What is a questionnaire

Answer 27

- type of self report - it is a set of written questions used to assess a persons thoughts or feelings and or experiences - any questionnaire may be used as part of an experiment to assess the DV

Question 28

what is an interview?

Answer 28

- a live encounter where the interviewer asks a set of questions to assess an interviewees thoughts and experiences - questions are pre set (structured interview) or maybe develop as the interview continues (unstructured interview)