PYSCHOLOGY REVISION 2 (SIS + SHE)

Experimental Research Design

A controlled study where the researcher manipulates one variable (independent variable) and observes its effect on another (dependent variable)

How to Improve Experimental Research Designs Reliability

Standardized procedure, precise measurement, repeated trials, control over extraneous variables

How to Improve Experimental ResearchDesign Validity

Randomised sampling and assignment, control group, blinding, ecological validity

Experimental Research Design Advantages

High reliability, high internal validity, circumstantially high external validity

Observational Research Design

A study where researchers observe and record behavior without direct intervention.

How to Improve Observational Research Design Reliability

Inter-rate reliability, consistent observation conditions, behavioural coding systems

Observational Research Design Validity Features

Observer training, naturalistic observation, minimizing observer effects

Observational Research Design Advantages

Higher reliability, higher ecological validity, higher internal validity

Qualitative Research Design

A study that explores experiences, opinions, or social phenomena using non-numerical data (e.g., interviews, focus groups, case studies).

Qualitative Research Design Reliability Features

Structured interviews, multiple coders for data analysis, audit trail, consistent data collection methods

Qualitative Research Design Validity Features

Triangulation, member checking, extensive description, reflexivity

Qualitative Research Design Advantages

Higher credibility, higher construct validity, higher ecological validity

Independent Variable

The variable you manipulate or vary in an experimental study to explore its effects

I.e the altered room temperature

Dependent Variable

The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation

I.e the mood and responses of the participants differing based on room temperature

Subjective Quantitative Research

Numerical results based on subjective opinion rather than factual data

Objective Quantitative Research

Numerical results based on factual data rather than subjective opinion

Delphi Technique

A forecasting process and structured communication procedure that involves finding consensus of opinion via the anonymous responses of experts to questionnaires.

Constant Variable

The variable that is held constant throughout the course of the experiment

I.e the questions asked of the participants post experiment

Extraneous Variable

The external variable out of the control of the experiment and its researchers

I.e the weather during an outdoors experiment

Internal Validity

The extent to which a research study establishes a trustworthy cause-and-effect relationship

Internal Reliability

The extent to which different items within a single test can measure the same concept or construct

Biopsychosocial Model

Biological, psychological and social contributors and phenomena

External Reliability

The extent to which a test can produce similar results over repeated administrations and or under different conditions

External Validity

How well the outcome of a research study can be expected to apply to other settings

Trends

The general, sustained direction in which human behaviors, attitudes, emotions, or cognitive patterns change over a period of time

Patterns

Regular, repeated consistencies in a field data or individuals behaviour

Correlation

When a variables change is accompanied by the change of another.

Mean

The average or central value of a set of numbers/numerical data

How to calculate: add the provided numbers together and divide by the amount of numbers given

Median

The middle value in a set of numbers/numerical data

How to calculate: arrange the provided numbers in order from smallest to largest, find the middle position (if there are an even amount of numbers, calculate through adding the two middle numbers and divide them by two)

Sample Size

The total number of observations, individuals, items or data points selected from a greater population in order to represent said population

Ethical Considerations

Informed consent, voluntary participation, right to withdraw, privacy rights, accurate reporting, debriefing

Conclusions

The final judgment or interpretation drawn from empirical data or the closing section of a psychological research paper or essay that wraps up the main findings

Hypothesis

A critical prediction of what an experiments results could entail/be

Representativeness of Sample

A smaller subset of a target population that accurately mirrors the key traits, demographics, and proportions of that larger group

(General) Limitation

A constraint, boundary, or restriction that affects an individual's thoughts, behaviors, emotions, or functional capacity

Standard Deviation

A statistical measure that tells you how far apart numbers in a data set are spread out from the average

(General) Validity

The extent to which data represents the variable it is intended to

(General) Reliability

The consistency and stability of a measurement tool or study

Internal Limitation (Threats to Internal Validity)

Mental barriers, assumptions, or cognitive constraints that originate within an individual rather than from the outside environment

External Limitations (Threats to External Validity)

Constraints that prevent the results of a psychological study from being generalized or applied to real-world settings, different populations, or other times

Psychological Factors (Biopsychosocial Model)

Self esteem, coping mechanisms, social skills and capabilities

Biological Factors (Biopsychosocial Model)

Physical health, disability, genetic predisposition and vunerabilities

Social Factors (Biopsychosocial Model)

Peers, familial circumstance, school

Communication and Collaboration

The understanding that science is a global enterprise where people communicate to review and verify their results. Science is progressed through the collaboration with stakeholders and sharing evidence across multiple disciplines.

Development and Application

The understanding that developments in research/technology has led to advancements in psychological understanding. Application of psychological understanding enables scientists to develop solutions to many societal factors.

Influence

The understanding that psychological knowledge and its application is influenced by societal perspectives. Societal perspectives are influenced by psychological knowledge and its application. The use of psychological knowledge may have beneficial or unexpected consequences that require monitoring and ethical evaluation.

Longitudinal Study

A research design that continuously or repeatedly measures to follow particular individuals over prolonged periods of time—often years or decades