VCE Psychology Units 1&2 - Chapter 1: Scientific Investigation, Planning, Ethics and Safety

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering experimental aims, hypotheses, variables, sampling techniques, investigation designs, research methodologies, ethical concepts, participant rights, and safety procedures from Chapter 1.

Investigation aim

The purpose of a study, written as a statement that includes the variables being studied.

Investigation question

The question the study intends to solve, or what the researcher is trying to find out.

Hypothesis

A statement predicting the probable outcomes of an investigation, which the study tests to see if it is supported, partly supported, or refuted.

Variable

An element that changes or varies in an investigation, and can be modified, measured, or controlled.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher manipulates by controlling, selecting, or changing it to test its effect.

Dependent variable (DV)

The variable that the researcher measures to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Extraneous variable

Any variable other than the independent variable that may have an unwanted effect on the dependent variable and results.

Controlled variable

A variable that is held constant to ensure that the only influence on the dependent variable is the independent variable.

Confounding variable

An unwanted variable that affects the dependent variable and results, such that it cannot be determined whether the IV or the confounding variable caused the observed change in the DV.

Population

The wider group of people that the researcher is interested in understanding and has in mind when creating the investigation question.

Sample

The participants selected from the population who participate in the investigation.

Representative sample

A sample whose participant characteristics accurately reflect and represent those found in the wider population.

Random sampling

A sampling technique where participants are selected from the population in such a way that each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Stratified sampling

A sampling technique where the population is first divided into subgroups, and participants are randomly selected from each subgroup in the exact proportion that they appear in the population.

Controlled experiment

An experimental investigation of the relationship between one or more independent variables (IVs) and a dependent variable (DV), with all other variables controlled.

Random allocation

Dividing the chosen sample into groups in such a way that each participant has an equal chance of being placed into the experimental group or the control group.

Experimental group

The group of participants in an investigation who are exposed to the independent variable (IV).

Control group

The group of participants in an investigation who are not exposed to the independent variable (IV).

Between subjects design

An investigation design where participants are randomly allocated to either the control condition or the experimental condition, completing only one condition.

Within subjects design

An investigation design in which all participants in the sample complete both the experimental condition and the control condition.

Mixed design

An investigation design that involves a combination of both a between subjects design and a within subjects design.

Case study

An investigation of a particular activity, behaviour, event, or problem that contains a real or hypothetical situation and includes real-world complexities.

Classification and identification

An investigation methodology involving arranging phenomena, objects, or events into manageable sets, and then recognising phenomena as belonging to a particular set or being part of a new or unique set.

Correlational study

An investigation methodology involving planned observation and recording of events and behaviours that have not been manipulated or controlled, in order to understand relationships or associations between variables and make predictions.

Pearson's r

A correlation coefficient used in correlational studies that ranges from $-1.00$ (strongest negative relationship) to $+1.00$ (strongest positive relationship), where a value of $0$ indicates zero correlation.

Fieldwork

An investigation methodology that involves collecting information by observing and interacting with a selected environment, often in a real-life setting rather than a controlled laboratory setting.

Direct observation and sampling

A fieldwork method that involves watching and recording participant behaviour and environmental interactions, typically without interference or intervention from the researcher.

Participant observation

A fieldwork method where the researcher becomes an active participant in the group that is being studied, either in a disguised way or an overt way.

Literature review

An investigation methodology involving collating and analysing secondary data findings and viewpoints to critically evaluate an existing body of literature and summarize current understanding.

Modelling

An investigation methodology that involves constructing and/or manipulating a physical or conceptual model of a system.

Simulation

The use of an established model to replicate and study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system.

Product, process and system development

An investigation methodology in psychological research that involves the design of an artefact, a process, or a system to meet a human need.

Integrity

The ethical concept defined as the commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding, the honest reporting of all sources and results, maintaining accountability, and consistently adhering to a core framework of values.

Justice

The moral obligation to ensure competing claims are considered fairly, that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action, and that there is fair distribution and equal access to benefits.

Beneficence

The ethical commitment to maximising benefits and minimising risks and harms in psychological research.

Non-maleficence

The ethical principle to avoid causing harm, ensuring that any possible harm is scientifically justifiable, not disproportionate to benefits, and outweighed by the study's value.

Respect

The ethical concept of giving due regard to the value of living things, recognizing their capacity to make decisions, and honoring their welfare, liberty, autonomy, beliefs, perceptions, and cultural heritage.

Confidentiality

An ethical guideline ensuring participants remain anonymous and their personal information is kept private, protected, and secure throughout and after the study.

Voluntary participation

An ethical guideline ensuring that each participant freely agrees to participate in a study without receiving any pressure or coercion.

Informed consent

A procedure conducted prior to a study where participants receive full details of the investigation (nature, purpose, methods, risks) and formally agree in writing to participate; a parent or guardian must sign for minors or those lacking capacity.

Withdrawal rights

An ethical guideline ensuring participants can discontinue their involvement or remove their results from a study at any time without receiving a penalty.

Deception

The practice of withholding the true nature of a study from participants when knowing the true purpose could affect their behaviour and undermine the investigation's validity.

Debriefing

A procedure conducted at the end of a study where participants are informed of the true aims, results, and conclusions, any deception is explained, misunderstandings are clarified, and support is provided.

Occupational health and safety (OHS)

The rules, standards, and welfare protections designed to prevent injury and maintain health and safety in workplaces and practical school investigations.

Risk assessment

A process that considers, identifies, and reduces physical and psychological risks and hazards associated with the environment, activities, equipment, or substances.

Safety data sheet (SDS)

A document providing essential health and safety information regarding a chemical substance, including its ingredients, precautionary statements, and first aid measures.