Key science skills - psychology

aim

the purpose of the study - it explains what you intend to investigate

variable

A condition or component of an experiment that can be measured or manipulated.

independant variable (IV)

The independent variable (IV) cna be thought of as that which is manipulated by the experimenter

Dependant variable (DV)

The dependent variable (DV) can be thought of as that which is measured to test the effect of the independent variable.

research variables

experiemental group, control group

Less IV’s in a study generally means

more conclusive results

does multiple dependant variables impact the validity of a given study?

no

hypothesis

a testable prediction about the relationship between variables (IV and DV) that includes the population and the strength and direction of the relationship.

Extraneous variable

any variable (that is not the IV or the DV) that can potentially affect the results of the study.

between- subjects design

An experimental design in which individuals are divided into different groups and compete only one experiment condition (exposes each participant to only one experimental condition or the other)

Experiement

An experiement or controlled experiement, is when a cause and effect relationship is measured, by testing the effect of the IV on the DV.

Within- subjects design

an experiemental design in which participants complete every experiemental condition in order to help mitigate EV’s affecting outcomes.

Mixed method design

A procedure for collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research in a single study.

Case studies

An in-depth or detailed study on a particular activity, behaviour, event or problem. may be historical, hypothetical or current. (not an experiement)

observational studies

observational studies or fieldwork , are a methodology that involves investigating through observing and interacting with an environment in a naturalistic setting ( no quantitative data)

correlation studies

look at the relationship between two variables

literature reviews

use secondary data to answer a question or provides research for comparison before conducting primary data investigations.

modelling / simulations

are small or large scale representation of an object to enable replication, explanation, or investigation.

product, process or system development.

is the design and development of something to meet a human need, which may involve technological application.

classification and identification

means to organise things by putting them into or constructing sets.

primary data

data sourced by the researcher themselves

secondary data

data which is collected by other sources

population

group of people who are the focus of the study and from which rthe sample is drawn

sample

a subset of the research population who participate in a study- a sample must be characteristically representative of the population.

types of sampling

convenience sampling, random sampling, stratified sampling

convenience sampling

selected in the quickest/ easiest way possible - not representative of the population

random sampling

each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected - free from bias - may not be representative of the population.

stratified sampling

breaks population into subgroups (strata) and selects participants from each group in the same proportion they appear within the population- more representative of the population - more time consuming

control group

not exposed to any experimental conditions (IV), they are used as the basis of comparison.

experimental group

is exposed to experiemental conditions (IV)

controlled variables

variables held constant within every condition of an experiement.

extraneous variiables (EV)

are that which are not controlled in an experiment, unwanted effect on the results.

types of errors

personal errors, systematic errors, random errors

personal errors

can occur through the researcher, such as the experimenter effect (mistakes, miscalculations, observer error)

random errors

can account for variations in results, such as extraneous variables (errors in measurement of results)

systematic errors

can occur as in the case of confounding variables. (errors in measurements are all consistently shifted from the true value. (predictable))

qualitative data

descriptions, opinions, arguments etc. Infinite range of responses are possible.

quantitative data

numerical in nature, and categorical (obtained through questions with quantifiable answers.) Finite range of responses.

subjective data

relies on assumptions or personal experience. Eg: mood (hard to compare)

objective data

can be directly observed or measured, eg. speed, score (easy to compare)

descriptive statistics

mathematic calculations that describe, organise and summerise the data

measures of variability

range is the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

standard deviation

measures the spread of scores around the mean. The higher the standard deviation, the greater the range of values within the sample.

frequency distribution tables

errors

personal errors, systematic errors, random errors.

personal erros

can pertain to miscalculations, observer bias, mistakes. An example of these include experiementer effects.

systematic Errors

Can be found if results differ consistently from the true value. This can be a result of inaccuracy in instruments readings or maybe even an impact of a confounding variable.

random errors

can occur for a variety of reasons such as extraneous variables where environmental factors, personal characteristics or non-standardised procedures may results in errors that are not attributed to the impact of the IV.

validity

refers to the extent to which an assessment tool actually measures what it is designed to measure. Eg. Does this test measure IQ appropriately.

repeatability

If the research is repeated with same people, does it yield the same results?

reproducibility

Do the results have reproducability? Can they be reproduced under different conditions and yield similar results?

internal validity

are the instruments/tools effectively assessing the content/theory we beleive we are assessing?

external validity

is the study done, and reported, in such a way that the findings can be applied to the wider population?

reliability

refers to the extent to which the assessment tool measures what it is supposed to measure consistently. Eg. Do i get the same IQ score in each test?

ethical understanding

considers the implications of one’s own research.

Applies integrity when considering, recording and reporting outcomes of an experiementation.

recognises the importance of ethical values from a social, political and legal framework.

ethical concepts

beneficence, non-maleficence, integrity, justice, respect.

Ethical guidelines

informed consent, withdrawal rights, debriefing, deception, confidentiality, voluntary participation

beneficence

The consideration of the benefits or gains in relation to possible risk.

Non- maleficence

The idea that any harm should not be proportionate to the gains made from the research (do not harm)

Integrity

The commitment to search for knowledge, and then honestly report information and findings.

justice

distribution of fair access to the benefits from resarch to everyone

respect

The beleif that everyone has value regardless of beliefs and has the right to make their own decisions.

voluntary participation

individuals freely choose to participate in a study, without any coercion or pressure

informed consent

participants must understand the nature and purpose of the study and any risks. they sign their consent.

withdrawal rights

participants are allowed to leave the experiment at any time, or remove their results from the following research.

debriefing

participants are informed of the research aims, results and conclusions and are provided with psychological support following research.

decpetion

praticipants must know the purpose of a study, unless it may impact their behaviour in research. If deception is used, thorough debreif is required.

confidentiality

participants have the right to privacy and protection, and that security of results is to be maintained.