Page 165-179 | Chapter 5: Introduction to Research Methodology (Cambridge A Level Psychology Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to research methodology, aims, hypotheses, variables, experimental controls, validity, self-reports, and common biases.

Research Method

A technique used to collect and analyze data to answer psychological questions (e.g., experiments, observations).

Empirical Evidence

Data gathered through direct observation or experimentation, rather than theory alone.

Causality

The relationship where one variable (the cause) directly influences another (the effect).

Reliability

The consistency of a research method or measure; results should be repeatable under the same conditions.

Validity

The extent to which a study measures what it intends to and can be generalized to real-world settings.

Ecological Validity

How well findings apply to everyday life; high in natural settings, low in artificial labs.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study accurately establishes causality without confounding factors.

External Validity

The degree to which results can be generalized beyond the study sample or setting.

Aim

A broad statement of what the study intends to investigate (e.g., to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on memory recall).

Hypothesis

A precise, testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Directional (One-Tailed) Hypothesis

Predicts the direction of the effect (e.g., noise will reduce memory recall more than silence).

Non-Directional (Two-Tailed) Hypothesis

Predicts a difference but does not specify the direction of the effect.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

Assumes no effect or relationship; any observed difference is due to chance.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

Assumes an effect exists, opposing the null.

Operationalization

Defining variables in measurable terms for replication (e.g., memory recall as number of words recalled from a list).

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor manipulated by the researcher (e.g., presence/absence of noise).

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor measured to assess the IV's effect (e.g., number of words recalled).

Extraneous Variable

Any unintended factor that could influence the DV; if it systematically affects one group, it becomes a confounding variable.

Confounding Variable

A variable that systematically influences the DV, threatening internal validity.

Control

Techniques used to keep conditions constant across participants (e.g., same instructions).

Standardization

Providing the same instructions and procedures for all participants.

Random Allocation

Random assignment of participants to groups to reduce bias and ensure comparability.

Counterbalancing

Alternating the order of conditions to control for order effects in repeated-measures designs.

ABBA Counterbalancing

A specific counterbalancing sequence (A, B, B, A) used to minimize order effects.

Order Effects

Effects due to the order of conditions, such as practice or fatigue.

Practice Effect

Improvement from repeating a task due to familiarity.

Fatigue Effect

Decline in performance due to tiredness.

Demand Characteristics

Cues that reveal the study's aims, causing participants to act in ways they think are expected.

Participant Variables

Individual differences (e.g., IQ, motivation) that could confound results.

Lab Experiment

An experiment conducted in a controlled lab setting with high control over variables.

Mundane Realism

The extent to which an experiment resembles real-life tasks; may be low even if control is high.

Experimental Realism

The extent to which the study engages participants and motivates them to take tasks seriously.

Self-Report

Methods where participants report their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors (e.g., questionnaires, interviews).

Closed Questions

Fixed-response items (e.g., yes/no, Likert scales) for quantitative data.

Open Questions

Free-response items allowing qualitative data.

Social Desirability Bias

Tendency to answer in ways that will be viewed favorably by others.

Filler Questions

Irrelevant items included to disguise the study's aim.

Baron-Cohen Eyes Test

An empathy/theory-of-mind measure used as an example of subjective measurement in psychology.