Psychology Research Methods

Research questions (Aim)

The aim is a clear statement outlining the purpose of the investigation.

Research hypothesis

A research hypothesis is a testable prediction of the relationship between two or more variables based on theory and/or previous research findings.

Independent variable

Is the variable that is manipulated, changed or controlled in some way by the researcher.

Dependent variable

Is the aspect of behaviour or experience that is expected to change because of the presence of the IV.

Participant

An individual selected to take part in a study.

Population

The group of people that we are interested in.

Sample

A small subset of the population that is participating in the research.

A representative smaple

When the members of the sample closely resemble the members of the population in key characteristics.

Convenience sampling (type of sampling)

Involves selecting participants from the individuals who are readily available at the time of the study.

Random sampling (type of sampling)

Ensures that every member of the population of interest has an equal chance of being selected to be part of the sample.

Stratified-random sampling (type of sampling)

Is when the population is split into subgroups according to a characteristic of interest, and participants are randomly selected from each subgroup in the same proportion as the subgroup to the population.

Experimental group

Is where participants are exposed to the IV.

Controlled group

Is where the IV is not present at all.

Placebo

an inactive substance or fake treatment that takes place of the IV.

Controlled experiments (research method)

Involves investigating the relationship between the IV and DV, under controlled conditions.

Observational studies (research method)

This research method involves carefully watching and recording behaviour as it naturally occurs.

Case studies (research method)

A research method that involves collecting detailed information from a particular individual, family or group.

Self-report tools (research method)

Self-report tools are questionnaires, interviews, diaries ect to collect data on participants' thoughts, feelings and/or behaviours.

Simulation studies (research method)

The researcher will replicate real-world situations and use the replication to study the behaviour and/or mental process of interest.

Experimental designs

Describe how participants are allocated to conditions in an experiment.

Between subject design (research design)

Different participants are used in each condition.

Within subject design (research design)

The same participants take part in all conditions.

Mixed design (research design)

An experimental design that combines within subjects and between subjects design.

Laboratory experiments (experiment settings)

Conducted in a controlled environment

The IV is deliberately manipulated by the researcher

field experiments (experiment settings)

Conducted in a real-world setting

The IV is deliberately manipulated by the researcher.

Natural experiments (experiment settings)

Occur naturally (IV is not manipulated)

Extraneous variable

Is a variable other than the IV that could cause a change in the DV.

Confounding variable

Is a variable other than the IV that has had an unwanted effect on the DV.

Correlational studies (research method)

A research method that involves comparing data on 2+ variables of interest to better understand the type of relationship that potentially exists between the variables.

The placebo effect

Is a change in participants' behaviours due to the belief that they are/are not receiving some kind of special treatment.

Experimenter effects

Where a researcher unintentionally changes the participant reponses.

Primary data (types of data)

Information collected directly from a source by the researcher(s).

Secondary data (types of data)

Information collected at an earlier time by someone else.

Qualitative data (types of data)

Includes descriptions, words and pictures that reveal an aspect of a persons behaviour or experience.

Quantitative data (types of data)

Is numerical information such as percentages.

Objective data (types of data)

Information that is observable, measurable and free from the personal bias of the researcher.

Subjective data (types of data)

Informational that is subject to personal opinion, interpretation, point of view and/or judgement.

Ethical concepts

Are broad, moral principles that should be considered when conducting research, practising psychology and/or analysing a psychological issue or debate.

Beneficence (ethical concept)

Strive to maximise benefits and minimise risk for the individual(s) involved and/or the wider community.

Non-maleficence (ethical concept)

commitment to not cause physical or psychological harm to participants.

Integrity (ethical concept)

Honest reporting of all sources of information and results.

Justice (ethical concept)

An obligation to ensure there is fair consideration of completing claims, distribution of costs and/or benefits.

Respect (ethical concept)

Recognising that all living things have value and importance.

Ethical guidelines

Are principles and procedures used to ensure that participants are safe and respected before, during and following their involvement in research.

Voluntary participation (ethical guideline)

No coercion or pressure is put on individuals to participate in the research.

Informed consent (ethical guideline)

Participants should know the nature and purpose of the research, including potential risks before agreeing to participate in the study.

Confidentiality (ethical guideline)

Information that could be used to identify an individual can not be revealed or shared unless consent is given from that individual.

Use of deception (ethical guideline)

Deception is where an individual is deliberately misled or not fully informed.

Withdrawal rights (ethical guideline)

Participants have the right to discontinue their involvement in the research at any time, without penalty.

Debriefing (ethical guideline)

At the end of the experiment/study, participants must be notified of the purpose of the research, the results obtained and the conclusion reached.

Reliability

Refers to the extent to which the results are consistent, dependable and stable.

Validity

Refers to the accuracy of a measure, tool or experiment in assessing what it claims to measure.

Conclusion

Is a statement that summarises the overall finding(s) of the study.

Generalisation

Is a decision about how widely the finding(s) of the study can be applied.