IB Psychology Paper 3 revision

Random Sampling

Every member of the defined target population has an equal probability of being selected, minimizing researcher selection bias.

Convenience Sampling

Participants are chosen based on accessibility, leading to high sampling bias but being time-efficient and low-cost.

Volunteer (Self-Selected) Sampling

Participants actively choose to join the study, leading to potential self-selection bias due to common traits among volunteers.

Purposive Sampling

Participants are selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the research, allowing focused studies but lacking generalizability.

Snowball Sampling

Current participants recruit future participants from their networks, ideal for accessing hard-to-reach populations but limiting diversity.

Personal Reflexivity

The researcher reflects on their values and background to understand biases in data collection and interpretation.

Epistemological Reflexivity

The researcher evaluates how the research design and framework shape findings, considering alternatives.

Method Triangulation

Using multiple methods to study the same phenomenon, increasing credibility by verifying consistent results.

Researcher Triangulation

Utilizing multiple researchers to collect and analyze data, reducing individual bias through comparison.

Data Triangulation

Gathering data from different times or groups, ensuring findings are not tied to a single context.

Member Checking (Participant Validation)

Participants review findings or transcripts to confirm accuracy and intent, preventing researcher misinterpretation.

Peer Review

Independent colleagues audit research for consistency, ensuring interpretations are grounded in evidence.

Representativeness (Quantitative Focus)

Extent to which the sample reflects the target population's characteristics, determining generalizability of findings.

Transferability (Qualitative Focus)

Degree to which findings can be applied to similar contexts, relying on detailed contextual descriptions.

Inductive Content / Thematic Analysis

Analyzing qualitative data by deriving codes and themes from participant responses, rather than existing theories.

Data Saturation

The point where no new insights are discovered, signaling that data collection can conclude.

Ethical Consideration: Informed Consent

Participants are informed about the study's aim before giving permission, ensuring their voluntary participation.

Ethical Consideration: Right to Withdraw

Participants can exit the study anytime without penalty and have data removed from analysis.

Ethical Consideration: Protection from Harm

Researchers structure environments to prevent physical or psychological distress, outlining risks and protections.

Ethical Consideration: Anonymity & Confidentiality

Data is stored securely to ensure individual responses are untraceable, maintaining privacy.

Ethical Consideration: Deception

Misdirection used only when necessary, researchers must justify its use and mitigate negative impacts.

Ethical Consideration: Debriefing

Participants receive a full explanation of study aims post-collection to address confusion or distress.