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Independent Variable (IV)
A variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable (DV)
A variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the impact of changes made to the independent variable.
Co-Variables
Two variables that are measured in a correlation study to investigate the extent which there is a relationship between them
Confounding Variables
Variables that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher that affect SOME participants behaviours but not others.
Extraneous Variables
Variables in a study that are not being measured or manipulated by the researcher but affect the results of ALL participants.
Alternative/Experimental Hypothesis
Predict that the IV will have an effect on the DV or that there will be a significant relationship between co-variables
Directional Hypothesis
Predict the direction of the effect of the IV on the DV or the direction of the relationship between co variables.
Non-Directional Hypotheses
Do not predict the direction of the effect of the IV on the DV or the relationship between co-variables.
Null Hypotheses
Predict there will be no effect of the IV on the DV or no relationship between two co variables.
Qualitative Data
Form of words which is usually obtained from open questions with unrestricted responses
What are the advantages of Qualitative Data?
Provides more individualized response and deeper understanding, provides a useful basis for developing a hypothesis
What are the disadvantages of Qualitative Data?
Time consuming to analyse and identify patterns and trends in data, Researcher bias as researcher may select data.
Quantitative Data
Data in the form of numbers which result from closed questions with restricted responses
What are the advantages of Quantitative Data?
Data is in the form of numbers so trends and patterns can be easily established, All participants answer the same questions so findings can easily be compared.
What are the disadvantages of Quantitative Data?
Lack of detail may prevent depth of understanding of the reasons why a particular behaviour occurs, Ignores individual differences.
Primary data
Original data gathered by the researcher by undertaking an investigation
What are the advantages of Primary data?
Data is gathered will directly address researchers issues, greater control and awareness of quality of data.
What are the disadvantages of Primary Data?
High cost as it is expensive to plan and undertake an independent investigation, Subject to researcher bias (Researcher knows what to look for)
Secondary data
Data gained from something written about a primary source, includes comments on and interpretations of original data.
What are the advantages of Secondary data?
Data is easy to access and is therefore obtained at low cost, May provide information which answers the research question.
What are the disadvantages of Secondary data?
Quality of data obtained may be difficult to establish, data may not relate directly to the specified research.
Laboratory Experiment
Laboratory setting the researcher deliberately manipulates the IV and measures the DV, While controlling Ev’s
What are advantages of Laboratory Experiments
High level of control so increases experimental validity as confidence that IV caused any change in DV, Standardised procedures lead to increase in reliability.
What are disadvantages of Laboratory Experiments
Artifical laboratory may produce demand characterisitics, low ecological validity which can result in investigator bias.
Field Experiment
The researcher manipulates the IV and measures the DV in a natural setting.
What are the advantages of Field Experiments
High ecological validity, natural environment is more likely to reflect real life responses
What are disadvantages of Field Experiments
Problems in controlling extraneous variables results in low experimental validity, difficult to establish cause and effect.
Quasi Experiment
IV is often not under control of the researcher and is not possible to allocate participants randomly to conditions.
Advantages of Quasi Experiments
Allow research to be conducted where it is not possible to separate the IV from the individual
Disadvantages of Quasi Experiments
Participants have not been randomly assigned to conditions so population variables could affect the DV, Reduces validity of study
Natural Experiment
Type of quasi experiment but where the researcher makes use of a naturally occurring event for research purposes.
Advantages of Natural Experiment
Study takes place in a natural environment where the investigator does not manipulate IV, High ecological validity
Disadvantages of Natural Experiment
Little control of extraneous variables, difficult to establish cause and effect relationships
