Unit 1 - AOS3 - Research Methods....

Question 1

Controlled experiment

Answer 1

Investigates cause and effect relationship between 2 or more variables, by manipulating one variable and observing impact on other variable(s).

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

Condition that is manipulated by researcher to study the effect on another variable.

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

A variable that is measured to identify the impact of the manipulaton of the independent variable, on the participant’s behaviour.

Question 4

Hypothesis - Define and formula

Answer 4

Testable prediction about likely outcome of experiment. In this instance it contains:
- the population of interest
- the independent and dependent variables
- a directional prediction about the interaction between those variables

It is hypothesised that the Population who (IV) will/will be (Prediction) on the (Dependent Variable) than those who (IV).

Question 5

Population - Define

Answer 5

The entire group of individuals with a specific characteristic that is of interest to the researcher

Question 6

Sample - Define

Answer 6

Group of participants that are select from, and considered representative of, the population.

Question 7

Control Group

Answer 7

Group that is exposed to control conditions, without presence of IV

Question 8

Experimental Group

Answer 8

Group that is exposed to the experimental conditions, with the presence of the IV

Question 9

Extraneous Variable

Answer 9

Any variable other than the IV which influences the DV - it could include participant differences, the experimenter effect, the order effect, etc.

Question 10

Confounding Variable

Answer 10

An uncontrolled extraneous variable that causes significant changes in the DV. Its’ effect may be confused with the IV.

Question 11

3 Sampling Methods + Assess benefits and disadvantages of each

Answer 11

Convenience: Based on the researchers’ accessibility to the population and the participants availability. It is quick and inexpensive, and means participants are less likely to withdraw. However, the sample is not very representative of the population.

Random: Every member of the population has an equal likelihood of being chosen. Eg. done through drawing names out of hat. It is more representative, without researcher bias. However, the sample could skew to a particular group in society.

Stratified: Members of the population are divided into specific groups with individuals who share specific characteristics, and then participants are chosen randomly from those groups in the proportion that they appear in the broader population.
It is highly representatitive, however it can be time-consuming and expensive.

Question 12

Types of experimental designs - Assess benefits and disadvantages of each

Answer 12

Between groups:
- Randomly assigning participants to the experimental or control group (removes researcher bias, time effective, but does not account for participant differences)
- Pairing individuals based on their shared characteristics and randomly assigning a member from each pair to the experimental or control group (minimises participant differences, but requires some form of pretest)

Within groups:
- One group of participants is exposed to both the control and experimental conditions (eliminates participant differences completely, but could result in order effect - addressed via counter-balancing)

Mixed-methods design: - A combination of within groups and between groups, which may test the effect of the independent variable pre and post time period (participant differences are controlled for, however, there is less control over participant knowledge of the study)

Question 13

Participant expectations and their influence on study

Answer 13

This is the way that participants may unknowingly adjust their behaviour due to a belief that the ‘treatment’ provided will be successful.

It could act as an extraneous variable, where 5 minutes of meditation each morning may not affect their sleep, but their belief that it will does.

Question 14

Placebo

Answer 14

A fake drug or treatment to induce the belief that participants are in the experimental group - i.e a sugar pill

Question 15

Placebo effect

Answer 15

A change in a participants’ behaviour due to a belief over the impact of participating in an experiment

Question 16

Single-blind procedure

Answer 16

Participants are unaware of who is in the experimental or the control group

Question 17

Double-blinded procedure

Answer 17

Both the participants and the researcher are unaware of who is in the experimental or control group - removes experimenter effect and participant expectations

Question 18

Methodologies of data collection

Answer 18

Observational study/Fieldwork: Researcher observes and records behaviour of individuals in their natural environment - eliminating artificality, but posing the risk of ‘observer bias’
Correlational study: Examines the relationship between two or more variables, without manipulation. It does not seek to establish a causal link.
Product, process, system development: Something new is designed to meet a social need, allowing practical application of research. However, it can be challenging to apply globally.
Case Study: Investigation of a specific activity, behaviour, event or problem containing real-world complexities. It is typically used only when there is a small/limited sample size - Genie.
Classification and identification: Involves two distinct components - arranging phenomena into different sets, and recognising phenomena to belong into a new set. - helps identify abnormal behaviours.
Literature Review: Collecting and analysing secondary research, identifying patterns, deviations, controversy. It is often used as the starting point for primary data research.

Question 19

Primary Data - examples

Answer 19

Data a researcher gathers themself, during a current study - i.e through fieldwork

Question 20

Secondary Data - examples

Answer 20

Previous research or knowledge used by researcher in their own study - i.e literature review

Question 21

Data modelling distinguished to Simulation

Answer 21

Data modelling involves a static or virtual representation of a situation, whereas simulation is the active component to the model, using it to run a specific scenario.

Question 22

Subjective Data

Answer 22

Based on matters of opinion and interpretation, that can be difficult to analyse but provides insight into i ndividual beliefs

Question 23

Objective Data

Answer 23

Data that can be observed and measured, which is easy to compare but does not provide reasons behind the situation

Question 24

Qualitative vs Quantitative

Answer 24

Qualitative: Changes in the quality of behaviours, usually expressed in words - challenging to analyse statistically
Quantitative: Data collected in systematic, controlled procedures which is typically presented in numerical form - restricts from futher detail

Question 25

All ethical guidelines

Answer 25

Confidentiality: Privacy, protection and security of personal information Debriefing: Ensuring that individuals leave with an appropriate understanding of experiment aims, results and conclusions. Support is provided if necessary. Informed consent: Participants understand the nature and purpose, including risks, of the experiment before agreeing to participate. This is obtained in writing. Deception: Strongly discouraged, only to be used when knowledge over the true nature of the experiment will cause irreperable harm to the results. Voluntary participation: No coercion or pressure to join, it is out of an individuals free will. Withdrawal rights: Participants can discontinue at any time, without facing penalty.

Question 26

All ethical concepts

Answer 26

Beneficence: Maximising benefits and minimising the risks involved in a course of action. Non-maleficence: Recognising the risk of harm, and taking all measures to avoid it. Justice: Fair treatment for all participants, consideration of competing scientfic claims, and no burden placed on a specific group for research, Integrity: Honest reporting of all results, whether favourable or unfavourable, in a way that contributes to public knowledge. Respect: Consideration to an individual's welfare, autonomy and inherent dignity.

Question 27

Validity versus Precision

Answer 27

Validity refers to the ability of the research tool to measure what it is designed to measure, representing truth to the results. Eg. if an IQ test focused on memory instead of other key factors. Precision refers to the similarity in a series of results, representing high levels of reproducability and repeatability. Eg. if taken at night on a different day, will the same ideas still be shown?