Research methods

The experimental factor that is manipulated
the thing that is measured

Predicts a specific direction of results
does not predict a specific direction
a general statement that no things affect each other

Predicts a specific direction of results
does not predict a specific direction
a general statement that no things affect each other

In an experiment, a variable other than the IV that might cause unwanted changes in the DV.
Order effects, demand characteristics, investigator's effect
Situational variables

Noise, temperature, light
AGe, Gender, attitude, mood

randomization, standard procedure, single blind, counterbalancing, double blind

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment where the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV while maintaining strict control of extraneous variables.

- control extraneous variables- this creates high internal validity - easier to establish causal relationships
- you can replicate - increases reliability

-Less life like - Low ecological validity - cant be generlised
-Unnatural response - High demand characteristics

an experiment conducted in the participants' natural environment. IV is manipulated and DV measured

Behaviour in a field experiment is more likely to reflect real life because of its natural setting - higher ecological validity
Less likelihood of demand characteristics affecting the results, as participants may not know they are being studied - covert.

There is less control over extraneous variables that might affect the DV - difficult to establish causal relationship
Replication is difficult - the same conditions can not be recreated - decreasing reliability

An experiment conducted in a natural environment, IV manipulated by the nature

S -Iv is naturally occuring - high ecological validity
No demand characterisitcs - natural environment
W- Cannot control the extraneous variable might affect the DV
Difficult to replicate
Difficult to infer cause and effect

Independent groups
Repeated measures
Matched pairs

Participants are randomly allocated to one condition of the IV. One group undergoes one condition and the other group undergoes another

S - No order effects, no demand characterisitcs
W - cannot control partcipants variable, double the amount of Ps needed than repeated measure

Ps take part in both conditions

S- half the no. of Ps needed, redecued Partipant variables
W - Order effects, demand characterisitics

Ps matched based on characterisitcs, then each P is allocated to one of the conditions of the IV

S - No order effects, reduced demand characterisitcs
W - TIme consuming match Ps, Difficult to reduce all P variables

consistency of measurement

the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people

extent to which we can generalize findings to real-world settings

Statements based on personal feelings and/or experiences
statement based on facts, not debatable
Qualitative data

descriptive data, rich in detail (interview answers)
numerical data

S -allows respondants to explain their answers
W- cannot cross compare with other respondants

S - present graphs, calculate mean, median, mode, helps draw conclusions
W- does not explain answers
Primary data

data collected by the psychologuist for their own research
Data initially collected by someone else and the psychologist uses for their own purpose

Studies that measure two or more variables and their relationship to one another; they are not designed to show causation

S- allows to see if two variables are linked, may prompt further investigation too look for causation using experimental method
Useful when it is unethical or impractical to recreate certain conditions

W - do not tell us how the variable are related, we dont know what causes it
there may be intervening variables - no control of EV

in-depth investigation into an individual or a small group od people

Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.
Provides insight for further research.
Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.
COnducted over years - see change in behaviour

-Not a generalisable sample
-Researchers have very little control over variables
-Difficult to establish causal relationships
- Biased - interpreted by researcher
- approval from ethics committee (timely, costly)

Participants/non particpant/overt/covert

S -+Obtain true and accurate picture of natural behaviour (high external validity)
W - Difficult to distinguish whether one factor affects the other
-Time consuming and needs constant attention
-Ethical issues as they cannot give informed consent
-Observer bias
-Hard to replicate

A self report data collection instrument that is filled out by research participants

Closed questions/open questionsraded questions

Structurednstructured

Informed consent
Deception
Right to withdraw
Protection from harm
Debriefing
Confidentiality
Privacy

- Random- Opportunity- Volunteer - Stratified

Scatter graphs - relationship between two co variables
Histograms - represent continous data, no gaps between bars, show frequency
Bar charts - Show categorical data, has gaps

the bell-shaped curve
Mean median mode are similar
data spread out evenly

Long tail extends to the left, most data is high

Mean, median not similar, long tail extends to the right, most data is low