CAIE AS Level Psychology: Research Methods and Data Analysis

Flashcards covering key concepts in research methods and data analysis for CAIE AS Level Psychology.

Experiment

An investigation looking for a causal relationship where an independent variable is manipulated.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor manipulated in an experiment expected to cause changes in the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor measured in an experiment that is expected to change due to manipulation of the IV.

Laboratory Experiment

A research method conducted in a controlled environment, focusing on causal relationships with strict controls.

Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a natural setting where some variables can be controlled.

Natural Experiment

An investigation studying the effect of naturally occurring differences or changes without direct manipulation of the IV.

Self-report

A research method comprising questionnaires or interviews to gather participant information.

Questionnaire

A method involving written questions intended to gather data from participants.

Structured Interview

An interview with preset questions posed in a fixed order.

Correlational Research

A method examining relationships between two measured variables without manipulation.

Null Hypothesis

A testable statement asserting no significant difference or correlation due to chance.

Operationalization

Defining variables in a way that they can be accurately manipulated and measured.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive, in-depth data focused on understanding psychological characteristics.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that allows statistical comparison and analysis.

Validity

The extent to which research accurately assesses what it claims to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a research procedure, indicating that results can be replicated.

Internal Validity

How well an experiment controls for confounding variables, supporting a causal relationship.

External Validity

The extent to which findings can be generalized to other environments or populations.

Opportunity Sampling

Selecting participants who are readily available at the time and place of research.

Random Sampling

A method where participants are chosen unbiasedly from the entire population.

Demand Characteristics

Features of an experiment that may reveal its aims to participants, potentially altering their behavior.

Objectivity

The presence of an unbiased viewpoint in research, leading to increased validity.

Strengths of Controlled Experiments

Allow for manipulation of variables and establishment of cause-and-effect relationships.

Weaknesses of Controlled Experiments

May lack ecological validity; results may not generalize to real-world settings.

Strengths of Observational Studies

Can provide insight into behaviors in natural settings and are often easier to conduct.

Weaknesses of Observational Studies

Can't establish causality; findings can be influenced by observer bias.

Strengths of Field Experiments

Combine elements of both controlled experiments and natural settings, often more applicable to real life.

Weaknesses of Field Experiments

Less control over extraneous variables and may involve complex ethical considerations.

Strengths of Laboratory Experiments

High control over variables, allowing for precise measurement and replication.

Weaknesses of Laboratory Experiments

May create artificial settings that do not reflect real-world behavior.

Strengths of Volunteer Sampling

Participants are self-selected, which can lead to high levels of engagement and motivation within the sample.

Weaknesses of Volunteer Sampling

The sample may not be representative of the larger population, leading to potential biases.

Strengths of Opportunity Sampling

Quick and easy to gather participants from available sources and often low-cost.

Weaknesses of Opportunity Sampling

Likely to be biased as it relies on whoever happens to be available.