RF Question

Question 1

Participant Observation

Answer 1

Definition: Observer takes part in the experiment in the experiment to gain deeper insight.
Strength: Can obtain in depth data due to the close proximity.

Question 2

Non-Participant Observation

Answer 2

Definition: The researcher observes participants without participating in the experiment itself.
Strength: The interviewer has no influence over the behaviours

Question 3

Covert Observation

Answer 3

Definition: The participants are unaware of the presence of the observer and they are not made aware their behaviour is being observed.
Strength: Reduced chance of demand characteristics

Question 4

Overt Observation

Answer 4

Definition: The research is open with their participants about observing their behaviour, the participants know they’re being studied.
Strength: Possible to inform participants in advance to obtain informed consent.

Question 5

Natural observation

Answer 5

Definition: A research method where the participants behaviour is studied in a natural environment
Strength: High ecological validity

Question 6

Controlled Observation

Answer 6

Definition: Participants behaviour is observed in a controlled environment where the researcher can manipulate the IV
Strength: Can be repeated to test reliability

Question 7

Event Sampling

Answer 7

Definition: Observer decides in advance what types of behaviour they’re interested in and records all occurrences, ignoring others
Strength: Useful when focussing on select behaviours as reveal the frequency.

Question 8

Time Sampling

Answer 8

Definition: Observer decides in advance that an observation will only take place during specific time periods, e.g. every 10 mins, only records occurrences during this time
Strength: Observer doesn’t have to be constantly alert so not fatigue influencing accuracy

Question 9

Inter rater Reliability

Answer 9

Definition: Method to measure external reliability of a test, high when different raters all give consistent results
Strength: Ensures all the data collected in a study is a correct representation of measured variables

Question 10

Field Experiment

Answer 10

Definition: An experiment carried out in the every day environment of the participant, IV is manipulated but other variables aren’t controlled
Strength: High ecological validity as reflects real life behaviour

Question 11

Lab Experiment

Answer 11

Definition: An experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions
Strength: Can control extraneous variables to improve validity.

Question 12

Independent Measures Design

Answer 12

Definition: Where each participant is only assigned to one condition of the IV
Strength: No order effects due to boredom or fatigue

Question 13

Repeated Measures Design:

Answer 13

Definition: Where each participant is assigned to more than one condition of the IV
Strength: Participant variables won’t be influencing the results so improves validity

Question 14

Matched Pairs Design:

Answer 14

Definition: There are equal groups where participants are matched on certain characteristics, e.g. gender, age. each in a different condition.
Strength: Prevents both order effects and participant differences affecting results

Question 15

Operationalisation of the IV and DV

Answer 15

Definition: How you define and measure a specific variable as its used in your study.
Strength: Provides clear and objective explanation of what the research is on, easier to repeat the study.

Question 16

Control of extraneous variables

Answer 16

Definition: Control means variables are kept the same so we don’t test the difference they cause.
Strength: By eliminating the differences we can be confident that and change in the DV is due to the IV manipulation.

Question 17

Questionnaires

Answer 17

Definition: Data is gathered from a set of written questions with a choice of answers, devised for the purpose of a survey and statistical study.
Strengths: Data can be collected quickly and efficiently as the researcher doesn’t need to be present.

Question 18

Interviews

Answer 18

Definition: Data gathered from a conversation where questions are asked and answers given
Strength:

Question 19

Structured Interview

Answer 19

Definition: Each interview is presented with the same questions and order with the aim to obtain quantitative data.
Strength: Easily replicated to test reliability

Question 20

Semi Structured Interview

Answer 20

Definition: Mostly prepared questions that can be supplemented with additional questions, interviewer can deviate from the original questions
Strength: Can gather both quantitative and qualitative data.

Question 21

Unstructured Interview

Answer 21

Definition: Questions that are not prearranged, the data is usually qualitative
Strength: More flexible so can find greater depth to explain the results

Question 22

Open Questions

Answer 22

Definition: Questions that brain qualitative data by asking questions that can’t be answered simply
Strength: Obtains rich qualitative data to explain cause and effect.

Question 23

Closed Questions

Answer 23

Definition: Questions that can be answered simply
Strength: Easily converted into quantitative data which allows for statistical analysis.

Question 24

Correlation

Answer 24

Definition: A method where the researcher aims to look for relationships between variables.
Strength: Able to see relationships clearly, also investigate IVs that are unethical to test.

Question 25

Opportunity Sampling

Answer 25

Definition: Participants are selected based on who’s available at the time and willing to participate
Strength: Quick and easy way to gather participants

Question 26

Random Sampling

Answer 26

Definition: Each participant of the study has an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Strength: Should be representative and eliminate sampling bias

Question 27

Snowball Sampling

Answer 27

Definition: Where research participants have to recruit other participants for the study.
Strength: Allows studies to take place where it may have been impossible due to lack of participants.

Question 28

Volunteer Sampling

Answer 28

Definition: A sample consisting of people who volunteered to be in the study.
Strength: Often achieves a large sample by reaching a wide audience, i.e. adverts

Question 29

Debrief

Answer 29

Definition: After the research the participant should be able to discuss the procedure and findings with the psychologist.
Strength: Ensures P’s can ask questions and get contact details for if counselling is required.

Question 30

Informed Consent

Answer 30

Definition: The participant has agreed to participate, whilst knowing what they’re agreeing to
Strength: P’s are aware of what to expect so can make a judgement to whether they continue or not.

Question 31

Deception

Answer 31

Definition: Where the participants are misled or wrongly informed about the research aims
Strength: Reduce demand characteristics

Question 32

Right to withdraw

Answer 32

Definition: Participants should be able to leave the study if they feel uncomfortable.
Strength: Means participants don’t feel pressured into continuing, reducing potential harm.

Question 33

Protection from harm

Answer 33

Definition: Researchers must ensure those taking part will not be caused distress
Strength: Prevent long term harm by ensuring they leave the same as they entered.