Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Psychology > Reserach Methods > Flashcards

Reserach Methods Flashcards

1
Q

What does HMC SQUID FORCE stand for?

A

Hypothesis testing
Manipulation of variables
Control of variables
Standardisation
Quantifiable measurement
Induction
Deduction
Falsification
Objectivity
Replicability
Cause and Effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is hypothesis testing?

A

Making a statement about what will happen in a study and then testing it

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is manipulation of variables?
Why is it important?

A

Changing the independent variable to see whether it changes something else (dependant variable) this allows us to infer cause and effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is control of variables?
Why is it important?

A

Making sure that extraneous variables don’t interfere with an experiment which then increases our confidence in the cause and effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is standardisation?
Why is it important? (2)

A

Ensuring that research or experiments are carried out in a consistent way by standardising procedures and materials - this makes research replicable and helps control variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is quantifiable measurements?
Why is it important?

A

Gathering numerical data
It allows us to analyse and compare results as well as statistically analyse them which tells us whether results are significant or not

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is induction?

A

A reasoning process where the hypothesis is made after carrying out a study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is deduction?

A

Making a generalised hypothesis before a study and then testing it - it is the process of reaching a conclusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is falsification?

A

Being able to prove things wrong as in science you can never usually prove things to be true

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is objectivity?

A

Basing research on facts and not opinions so researchers have to measure and record only what actually happened

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the difference between something objective and subjective?

A

Objective = clear and indisputable
Subjective = lack of certainty and difference of opinion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is replicability?

A

Being able to repeat the study exactly as previous researchers to see if same results are achieved

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is cause and effects?

A

Being able to establish the extent to which something is the direct cause of something else

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the format for referring a journal article?

A

Surname, initials. (Publication year) Totle of the article. Title of journal in italics or underlined. Volume number (part or month in brackets) .p. Page number

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the format for referencing a book?

A

Surname, initials. (Publication year) book title in italics or underlined, edition of not first and then place of publication : publisher

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the independent variable?

A

The aspect of the situation that is manipulated by the researcher (cause)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the dependant variable?

A

The aspect of the situation that is measured by the researcher (effect)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are conditions?
How many are there usually?

A

The different ways in which you can conduct an experiment (it is a level of independent variable?
There are usually 2 conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are extraneous variables?
What are 2 types?

A

They are variables that could potentially have an effect on the dependant variable other than the independent variable.
Participant or situational.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are 3 methods of controlling extraneous variables?

A

1) randomisation
2) standardisation
3) having a control group

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is randomisation?

A

randomly allocating participants to conditions which then minimises the effect of bias

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is standardisation?

A

Using the exact same formalised procedures and instruction for all the participants in a study

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How does having a control group help control extraneous variables?

A

It acts as a baseline group which allows for comparisons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is operationalisation?

A

Operationalising is making sure that the independent variable, the dependant variable and the hypothesis are all put into concrete measurable concepts from abstract concepts - a form they can be tested

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is the research aim?

A

It is a general statement of what the researcher intends to find out in a research study - they always start with … to investigate…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the research question?

A

It is the question that the researcher is trying to answer - it is more detailed than the aim.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the hypothesis?

A

A precise and testable statement / prediction about the assumed relationship between variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the difference between and alternate and an experimental hypothesis?

A

An experimental hypothesis is a hypothesis for experimental methods of research
An alternate hypothesis is a hypothesis used for non experimental methods such as self report, observations and correlations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is something in common between experimental hypothesis and alternate hypothesis?

A

The independent variable has an effect on the dependant variable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are 4 main features required in a hypothesis?

A

Operationalised IV
Operationalised DV
Future tense
Prediction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is a one tailed hypothesis?
What is another name for it?

A

It is a hypothesis which states that the IV will have an effect and states exactly what that effect will be.
Directional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is a Two tailed hypothesis?
What is another name for it?

A

A hypothesis which states that there will be a difference between conditions so the IV will have an effect but we don’t know what the exact effect is.
Non directional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is a null hypothesis?

A

A hypothesis which states that the IV will not have an effect on the DV - it is accepted or rejected when the results have been obtained from the study

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are the 3 types of experiments?

A

Laboratory
Field
Quasi / Natural

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is a laboratory experiment?

A

An experiment that takes place in artificial conditions in a controlled environment where the researcher manipulates the independent variable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is a field experiment?

A

And experiment that takes place in the real world (natural environment) instead of a carefully controlled one, where the IV is manipulated by the researcher

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is a Quasi experiment?

A

An experiment where the Independent variable is not manipulated by the researcher as it is naturally occurring - they can take place in any setting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are 3 strength of laboratory experiments?

A

• Has a high internal validity because there is more control of extraneous variables due to the controlled setting
• It is more scientific - easier to replicate
• You can assume cause and effect more as you can have more confidence in the IV affecting the DV due to high control

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of laboratory experiments?

A

• It has low external (ecological) validity due to the artificial conditions so findings can’t be generalised to real life situations where other factors are present
• Demand characteristics can take place because participants can guess the true aim of the research and then change their behaviours - participants usually aware of what is going on

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What are 3 advantages of field experiments?

A

• They have high external validity because they take place in natural environments so findings can be generalised to real life
• There is less chance of demand characteristics because participants are usually unaware they are taking part
• The IV is still controlled so you can assume cause and effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are 4 disadvantages of field experiments?

A

• Low internal validity because there is very low control of extraneous variables so they could affect DV instead of IV
• It is less scientific because it is harder to replicate precisely due to natural settings
• Less able to assume cause and effect because EV could be affecting DV instead of IV
• Ethical implications as participants don’t always know they are participating so cannot give consent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are 3 advantages of Quasi experiments?

A

• you can study variables which are impossible to manipulate or unethical to do so
• it has high ecological validity because of the natural change - not induced by researcher
• findings can be generalised since nothing is manipulated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What are 4 disadvantages of quasi experiments?

A

• It is hard to infer cause and effect because there is no control of extraneous variables and no manipulation of an independent variable
• Impossible to replicate exactly
• It can be biased if participants know what is being studied
• Ethical problems of consent, deception and invasion of privacy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is the independent measures design?

A

When participants only take part in one condition of the experiment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the repeated measures design?

A

When participants take part in both conditions of an experiment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is the matched participants design?

A

When participants only take part in one condition however they are matched with another participant in the other condition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is 2 strengths of the independent measures design?

A

• There are no order effects so participants are less likely to show demand characteristics
• The same materials or stimulus can be used in both conditions which saves time and reduces extraneous variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What are 2 limitations of the independent measures design?

A

• Individual differences could affect the DV instead of the IV
• More participants required so it takes longer to get a sample

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What are 2 strengths of the repeated measures design?

A

• There are no individual differences between the 2 conditions because it’s the same participants
• Less participants required as you only need one sample

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What are 3 limitations of the repeated measures design?

A

• Order effects could occur so participants could get bored
• Demand characteristics - participants more likely to guess aim of research
• Different tests or materials needed for the 2 conditions which could be hard to make equally different and also is time consuming

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What are 3 strengths of the matched participants design?

A

• Individual differences reduced
• Less likely to show demand characteristics
• The same materials and stimulus can be used in both conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What are 2 limitations of the matched participants design?

A

• It is impossible to match participants exactly
• Matching participants is time consuming

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What is representativeness?

A

How typical a sample is to the target population

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What are the 4 types of sampling methods?

A

Random
Snowball
Opportunity
Self selected

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

What is the target population?

A

A particular group within the general population that the researcher is interested in

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What is the sample?

A

A smaller group of people from the target population to represent the target population

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

What is random sampling?

A

A type of sampling where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

What is snowball sampling?

A

A type of sampling where you obtain a sample by identifying one or a few participants who ask people that they know to also take part

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What is self selected / volunteer sampling?

A

A type of sampling where participants becoming part of the study volunteer in response to an advert

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

What is opportunity sampling?

A

A type of sampling where the sample is taken from people who are available at the time and fit the criteria that the researcher wants

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

What are 2 strengths of random sampling?

A

• There is less chance of bias as everyone has an equal chance
• You can generalise back to the target population

62
Q

What are 2 limitations of random sampling?

A

• It takes a long time as you need details of everyone in the target population
• You need a large sample to begin with and not everyone will want to do it so it becomes biased anyways

63
Q

What is a strength of snowball sampling?

A

It allows us to find people that we may not have easy access to for example criminals

64
Q

What are 2 limitations of snowball sampling?

A

• The sample may not be representative as you are reliant on one person asking their friends so they could all have similar characteristics
• A biased sample based on things like gender or culture etc

65
Q

What are 2 strengths of self selected sampling?

A

• You are able to target a specific group of people
• You can get informed consent from the beginning especially for controversial topics

66
Q

What are 2 limitations of self selected sampling?

A

• The sample is likely to be biased because if it is placed in one place it will only reach that audience eg newspaper
• You are less able to generalise and participants more likely to show demand characteristics

67
Q

What are 2 strengths of opportunity sampling?

A

• It is the easiest sampling
• It is the quickest way of obtaining participants

68
Q

What are 2 limitations of opportunity sampling?

A

• It had the most chance of bias as the researcher can pick who they want
• It is the least likely to be able to generalise to target population

69
Q

What are the 6 ethical considerations?

A

Informed consent
Right to withdraw
Confidentiality
Protection of participant from harm
Debrief
Deception

70
Q

What is competence

A

Psychologist should work within their own capabilities and don’t give advice if they’re not qualified to do so

71
Q

What is internal validity?

A

If the dependant variable is being measured accurately and not influenced by extraneous variables

72
Q

What is external validity

A

Can the results be generalised beyond the study

73
Q

What is face validity

A

Whether you can see if the experiments measures out what it is set to just by looking at the results

74
Q

What is construct validity?

A

Does the test measure the underlying constructs or concepts of the variable ie test on language has many underlying factors

75
Q

What is concurrent validity

A

Comparing your test results to another test that does have validity and seeing if you have similar results

76
Q

What is ecological validity?

A

If the results can be generalised to every day life situations

77
Q

What is population validity

A

Cab results be generalised to other people and target population

78
Q

What is reliability

A

The extent to which the findings from the study can be repeated
Measure of consistency

79
Q

What is internal reliability

A

The consistency of the measurements within the study ie if you use a questionnaire it can be used again

80
Q

What is external reliability

A

If the test or experiment was repeated would you get consistent or similar results

81
Q

What is Inter - rater reliability

A

If 2 people are both observing the same thing using the same method would they get the same results (80% similarity counts as high Inter rater reliability)

82
Q

What is test - retest

A

When the researcher does a test and then re does it after a certain period of time using the same sample and the results are correlated

83
Q

What is the formula for standard deviation

A

The square root of ( sum of (x-mean)^2)
divide by (n-1)

84
Q

What is the formula for variance

A

Standard deviation squared

85
Q

What is nominal data
Give and example

A

Data in categories / frequencies
Number of people wearing mask vs people not

86
Q

What is ordinal data
Give example

A

Participants get scores which are ranked
Scores on a memory test on rating scale

87
Q

What is interval data

A

Participants getting individual scores where there is an equal interval between scores
Temperature

88
Q

What are observations

A

Watching participants (humans or animals) directly in order to obtain data and gather information about their behaviours - there are no variables manipulated

89
Q

What is a structured observation

A

An observation where the observes decided in advance what aspects of behaviour they are going to be observing and recording using behavioural categories

90
Q

What are 3 strengths of structured observations

A

Quantitative data

Focus on behaviours you’re interested in to increase internal validity

Standardised categories which increases reliability

91
Q

What are 3 disadvantages of structured observations

A

Reduces validity as behavioural categories may not be all behaviours shown

Quantitative data lacks detail

Behaviour categories can be misinterpreted as it is subjective which lowers validity

92
Q

What is an unstructured observation

A

Where the observers do not decide which aspects of behaviour they will record and instead record all aspects of behaviour of the participant

93
Q

What are 3 advantages of unstructured observations

A

All behaviour is recorded which increases validity

Generates qualitative data so higher detail so more validity

Can act as a platform for a structured observation as you’ll know what to observe

94
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of unstructured observations

A

Difficult to record all behaviour

Record most eye catching behaviour and ignore less obvious ones which reduces validity

95
Q

What is a naturalistic observation

A

Where the behaviours seen from the participants in their natural environment are recorded without interference from the researchers

96
Q

What are 2 advantages of naturalistic observations

A

Reduces demand characteristics because participants are unaware they are being observed

High external validity as people behave as they naturally would

97
Q

What is a controlled observation

A

The behaviours seen are recorded by the researchers in situations where there has been some manipulation by the researcher

98
Q

What are advantages of controlled observations

A

High internal validity
High control

99
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of controlled observations

A

Low ecological validity
Demand characteristics

100
Q

What is a participants observation

A

Where the researcher or observer is participating with people being observed

101
Q

What is an advantage of participants observations

A

Produces details and in depth observations so researcher has deeper insight into participant behaviour
(Cause and effect)

102
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of participant experiment

A

Participants could find out researcher is present with them and change the way they act

Researcher could lose objectivity and get caught up which reduces validity

103
Q

What is a non participant observation.

A

Observation made by someone not participating in actions being observed

104
Q

Give and advantage of non participant observation

A

It is more objective as observed is unable to influence those being observed especially if covert

105
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of non participant observations

A

Ethical issues if covert

Researcher has less insight

106
Q

What is an overt observation

A

The participants have knowledge of being observed and the researcher is clearly visible

107
Q

What is and advantage of overt observations

A

Less concern with ethical issues as participants can give informed consent as they know they are being watched

108
Q

What is a disadvantage of overt observations

A

Participants change behaviours to what they think researchers want to see which reduces validity
Demand characteristics
Social desirability bias

109
Q

What is a covert observation

A

Participants don’t have knowledge of being observed

110
Q

What is an advantage of covert observations

A

Participants more likely to show natural behaviours so higher validity

111
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of covert observations

A

Can be unethical even in public

Validity lowered as participants may show demand characteristics

Can’t control extraneous variables

112
Q

What are coding frames

A

A list of different behavioural categories where each behaviour is given a code for ease of recording different behaviours

113
Q

What is time sampling

A

Recording behaviours at set interval times for a set amount of time eg every minute for 20 minutes

114
Q

What are 2 advantages of using time sampling

A

Reduces amount of time spent observing and can spread observation over a longer period of time so less likely to get bored and lose concentration

Increase accuracy of observation

115
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of time sampling

A

Behaviour may be missed if time samples are limited (something important might happen while on break)

If time slots are too short you may not record behaviour that is representative so it can be reductionist

116
Q

What is event sampling

A

Recording every time pre determined behaviours occur for a set timee eg from 9am to 2pm

117
Q

What are 2 advantages of event sampling

A

The validity is increased as you only focus on behaviour interests in

Less chance of behaviour of interest being missed

118
Q

What are 2 disadvantages of event sampling

A

Can be reductionist because the behaviours observed are limited

Can be taken out of context if you only focus on certain parts of overall behaviours

119
Q

How can you increase inter rater reliability in observations

A

Make behavioural categories more specific

120
Q

What are self reports

A

An interview or questionnaire that relies on an individual (respondent) to report their behaviours beliefs or attitudes

121
Q

What are 2 strengths of self report

A

Participants asked directly so answers may be more valid

Fewer ethical concerns

122
Q

What are 2 limitations of self reports

A

Participants could lie

Open to social desirability bias

123
Q

What are questionnaire

A

A lost to standardise questions that are filled in alone by respondents usually on paper or online

124
Q

What are the strengths of open and closed questionnaires

A

Quantitative data

More in-depth information and information that you may not have expected but is useful

125
Q

What are the limitations of open and closed questionnaires

A

Closed Simple answers which can simplify complex behaviour

Open qualitative data which can be subjective to analyse so lower validity

126
Q

What is an unstructured interview

A

Where there’s a starter question and areas to cover but no pre set questions so interviewer makes new questions as they go along based on answers given

127
Q

What is an advantage of an unstructured interview

A

Highly personalised to individual so they may give more information which can be relevant so higher validity

128
Q

What is a limitation of unstructured interviews

A

Low reliability as each participants has different questions and different views

129
Q

What is a semi structured interview

A

Where there’s some pre set questions but additional questions can be created based on participants response

130
Q

What is a strength of semi structured interviews

A

Personal to individual so can give more information
Less formal so participants open
Receive information you want and morb

131
Q

What is a limitation of a semi structured interview

A

Low reliability because participants asked different questions and different views

132
Q

What is a structured interview

A

Interview where the questions are all pre set and interview sticks to script strictly

133
Q

What is a strength of structured interview

A

High reliability

134
Q

What is a limitation of structured interviews

A

Very formal and impersonal so no opportunity to ask participants other questions to elaborations

135
Q

What is an open question

A

Question where the participant can explains and elaborate their answer giving more detailed response

136
Q

What is a strength of open questions

A

More in depth answers as qualitative data produced so more understanding and answers given which may not have expected

137
Q

What is a limitation of open questions

A

Qualitative data is subjective and researcher has to interpret all the answers so lower validity

138
Q

What do a closed questions

A

Question where the respondent can only give a limited reposes such as yes or no

139
Q

What are 3 strengths of closed questions

A

Produces quantitative data

Data can be displayed easily

Get information you want specifically

140
Q

What is a limitation of closed questions

A

Data lacks depth and detail so we can only make assumptions so lower validity

141
Q

What are rating scales

A

A type of closed question which allows participants to report how strongly they feel about something

142
Q

What is and advantage of suing scales

A

Produced quantitative data which is easy to compare and gains more information than closed questions

143
Q

What is a limitation of rating scales

A

Lacks detail so we can’t understand reasons for opinions

Imposition problem as there is central tendency bias

144
Q

What is a likert rating scale

A

Participants indicate on scale how much they agree with a statement

145
Q

What are 3 strengths of likert scales

A

Quantitative data
More information on opinion than closed questions
Reliable

146
Q

What are 3 limitations of likert rating scales

A

Lacks detail

Imposition problem - central tendency bias

Middle option doesn’t give much information

147
Q

What is a visual analogue scale or is good semantic differential s car le

A

Indicates where participants stands on a scale with 2 contrasting adjectives

148
Q

What is a correlation

A

An association found between 2 variables in correlational analysis and there is no IV or DV

149
Q

What is a strength of correlations

A

You can use a line of best fit to make assumptions on larger smalle sizes so you can sue a small sample to make predictions usiend generalisations

Ethical as no manipulation of variables so factors already present

150
Q

What is a weakness go correlations

A

You can’t infer cause and effect because you can’t be sure that correlation is causation - other variables coudk affect it which aren’t in study

151
Q

When planning a study what do you have to write for each required feature (4)

A

What feature you will use in context of study

Explain how feature will be implemented using context

Justify why you will use the feature ( a strength) in context of the study

Relate justification to specific details of previous research where the rf was used and link back to present study

Psychology (36 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions