AQA Psychology A-level Topic 7: Research Methods

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help students prepare for their AQA Psychology A-level exam, focusing on research methods.

Experimental Method

A method that involves manipulating an independent variable (IV) to measure its effect on a dependent variable (DV).

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Aim

A general statement that describes the purpose of the researcher's study.

Hypothesis

A precise statement that states the relationship between the variables being investigated.

Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis that specifies the direction of the expected relationship between the variables.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis that does not specify the direction of the expected relationship between the variables.

Operationalisation

The process of defining variables in measurable terms for a study.

Extraneous Variables

Variables that are not the independent variable but may affect the dependent variable.

Confounding Variables

Variables other than the independent variable that systematically affect the dependent variable, making it difficult to conclude causality.

Demand Characteristics

Cues that indicate the purpose of the study, potentially altering participant behavior.

Investigator Effects

Influences that the researcher may have on the participants or the data collected.

Randomisation

A technique used to reduce bias by randomly allocating participants to different conditions of an experiment.

Standardisation

Using the same procedures and instructions for every participant involved in the study.

Laboratory Experiment

An experiment conducted in a controlled environment, allowing for high control over variables.

Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a natural setting with controlled variables to observe behaviors.

Quasi Experiment

An experiment where the independent variable cannot be manipulated by the researcher.

Natural Experiment

An experiment where the independent variable occurs naturally and is not manipulated by the researcher.

Opportunity Sampling

A sampling method where participants are selected based on their availability.

Random Sampling

A sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Stratified Sampling

A sampling method that reflects the proportions of subgroups within the population.

Pilot Study

A small-scale preliminary study used to test the feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events involved in a research.

Single-Blind Procedure

A research method where participants are unaware of whether they are receiving a test treatment or a control.

Double-Blind Procedure

A research method in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical data that provides detailed insights into participants' thoughts and experiences.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

Correlation

A statistical technique that examines the relationship between two variables.

Meta-Analysis

A research method that combines results from multiple studies to derive overall conclusions.

Peer Review

The evaluation of scientific work by experts in the same field to ensure quality and validity.

Type I Error

The incorrect rejection of a true null hypothesis (false positive).

Type II Error

The failure to reject a false null hypothesis (false negative).