Research Methods quickie

Question 1

Define experimental method

Answer 1

Manipulation of IV to measure effect on DV. Experiments can be lab, field, natural or quasi.

Question 2

Define aim

Answer 2

Statement of what the research aims to study; the purpose of the study

Question 3

Define hypothesis

Answer 3

Clear, testable statement that states relationship between variables being investigated. Stated at start of each study

Question 4

Define directional hypothesis

Answer 4

States difference

Question 5

Define non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

Doesn’t state difference

Question 6

Define a variable

Answer 6

Anything that can vary within an investigation. Used in experiments to see if changes in one thing causes changes in another.

Question 7

Define IV

Answer 7

Aspect of experiment that’s being manipulated or changes naturally so researcher can measure effect on DV

Question 8

Define DV

Answer 8

Variable measured by researcher.

Any effect on DV should be caused by change in IV.

Question 9

Define operationalisation

Answer 9

Clearly defining variable in terms of how they can be measured

Question 10

Define extraneous variable

Answer 10

Any variable other than IV that affects DV if not controlled. EV are nuisance variables and don’t vary systematically with IV.

Question 11

Define confounding variable

Answer 11

Any variable other than IV that has affected DV so true source of changes in DV is unclear. CV vary systematically with IV.

Question 12

Define demand characteristics

Answer 12

Cues from researcher/experiment that allow participants to work out the aim of experiment. This leads to participants changing behaviour within the experiment.

Question 13

Define investigator effects

Answer 13

Any effect of researcher’s behaviour on the research outcome (DV)
e.g. design of study and interaction with participants

Question 14

Define randomisation

Answer 14

Use of chance to control the effects of bias when creating an experiment and deciding the order of conditions

Question 15

Define standardisation

Answer 15

Using the exact same procedures and instructions for every participant in the study

Question 16

Define experimental design

Answer 16

Different ways in which testing of participants can be organised in the experiment.

Question 17

Define independent groups

Answer 17

Participants are allocated to different groups, each group represents one experimental condition

Question 18

Define repeated measures

Answer 18

All participants take part in all conditions of the study

Question 19

Define matched pairs

Answer 19

When pairs of participants are matched on a variable, then one is put into condition A and one into condition B

Question 20

Define random allocation

Answer 20

An attempt to control PP variables in an independent group design which ensures each participant is equally likely to be chosen for each condition

Question 21

Define counterbalancing

Answer 21

Attempt to control effects of order in repeated measures - half of participants experience conditions in one order and other half experience conditions in reverse order

Question 22

Define lab experiment

Answer 22

Takes place in controlled environment where researcher manipulates IV and measures effects on DV, while strong control over extraneous variables

Question 23

Define field experiment

Answer 23

Takes place in natural setting where researcher manipulates IV to see effect on DV

Question 24

Define natural experiment

Answer 24

Experiment where changes in IV aren’t caused by researcher but would’ve happened even in absence of researcher. Researcher measures effect on DV

Question 25

Define quasi-experiment

Answer 25

Study similar to an experiment but lacks key aspects:

• IV isn’t determined by anyone, variables simply exist, such as being old or young
• IV is based on an existing difference

Question 26

Define population

Answer 26

Group of interest of researcher, from which small sample is drawn

Question 27

Define sample

Answer 27

Group of people who take part in experiment.

Sample taken from target population and presumed to be representative of that population

Question 28

Define sampling technique

Answer 28

Method used to select people from population

Question 29

What is a random sample

Answer 29

All members of target population are equally likely to be picked

Question 30

What is a systematic sample

Answer 30

Every nth member of target population is selected

Question 31

What is an opportunity sample

Answer 31

Researcher asks and takes in anyone willing and available

Question 32

What is a volunteer sample

Answer 32

Participants select themselves to be a part of a study

Question 33

What is a stratified sample

Answer 33

Composition of sample reflects portions of sub-groups within target population

Question 34

How do you carry out a random sample?

Answer 34

Make a list of PPs, label each with a number start to finish, select numbers with RNG or hat

Question 35

How do you carry out a systematic sample?

Answer 35

Create a sampling frame e.g. alphabetical order, randomly select interval and choose every nth person

Question 36

How do you carry out a stratified sample?

Answer 36

Identify the sub-groups that make up the population, proportions needed for sample are worked out.
e.g. sample of 50 men 50 woman and 10 participants needed, 5 men and 5 woman will be in sample

Question 37

Define bias

Answer 37

In sampling = when sample over/under represents certain groups. This limits generalisation

Question 38

Define generalisation

Answer 38

Extent to which findings and conclusions from experiment can be applied to the general population. This is possible if sample represents population

Question 39

Define naturalistic observation

Answer 39

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting in which it normally occurs

Question 40

Define controlled observation

Answer 40

Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment where variables are controlled

Question 41

Define covert observation

Answer 41

Participant behaviour recorded WITHOUT consent

Question 42

Define overt observation

Answer 42

Participant behaviour recorded WITH consent

Question 43

Define participant observation

Answer 43

Researcher becomes member of group he’s recording

Question 44

Define non-participant observation

Answer 44

Researcher remains outside of group he’s recording