Research Methods

Vocabulary flashcards for Research Methods.

Independent Variable (IV)

Variable being manipulated by the experimenter to measure its effect on the DV.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Variable that is measured to show any effect of the IV.

Controlled Variable

Variables that must be held constant to remove potential effects on DV.

Operationalising Variables

Putting variables into as much detail as possible, including clear measurement of the DV and clear manipulation of the IV over time.

Random Allocation

All participants have an equal chance of getting chosen for each group.

Non-random Allocation

Participants do not have an equal chance of getting chosen for each group.

Stratified Sampling

Split population according to characteristics, calculate the proportion of each characteristic in the population, and take a sample in proportion.

Convenience Sampling

Easiest group for researcher to obtain; non-random.

Random Sampling

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Between Subjects Design

Different conditions, each participant provides one data point.

Within Subjects Design

Every participant does every condition. Provides 2+ data points.

Mixed Design

Sample separated into 2+ groups. Each participant only does one condition but provides 2+ data points due to pre- and post-test.

Internal Validity

Is high when tools and procedures in the study measure what the researcher is trying to measure.

External Validity

Whether results can accurately be applied to the rest of the population.

Repeatability

Study is repeatable if it is replicated under identical conditions and produces the same results.

Reproducibility

Study is replicated under different conditions and produces similar results.

Extraneous Variables

May cause an effect on DV which is not IV.

Confounding Variables

An extraneous variable that does affect the DV and is not the IV. Has a systematic (not random) effect on DV.

Participant Related Variables

Differences between people such as characteristics or abilities that could effect DV in unwanted ways.

Order Effect

Order of conditions affect results (being tired in second test, or do better second time due to practice).

Placebo Effect

Participants beliefs cause change in results (not voluntary).

Experimenter Effect

Researchers beliefs have unwanted effect on results.

Demand Characteristics

Participant changes their behavior due to knowledge of experiment, aim, or variable (voluntary).

Situational Variables

Procedures/instructions given to participants are different for each individual or group, or all environment factors not the same for each group.

Counterbalancing

Prevents order effect by splitting sample in half; Half does A then B, other half does B then A.

Single Blind Procedure

Participants are not aware if they receive treatment or not; manages placebo effect.

Double Blind Procedure

Both participants and experimenters are unaware of who receives the treatment; manages experimenter effect.

Standardisation

Make instructions, procedure, and environment the same for everyone.

Deception

Lie about what's being measured. Only works if lie not harmful, actual DV is hard to guess, and must reveal post-experiment.

Qualitative Data

Data represented with descriptions.

Quantitative Data

Data represented with numbers.

Primary Data

Data collected by the researcher.

Secondary Data

Data collected by someone other than the researcher or team.

Scientific Evidence

Results obtained by a controlled experiment or study following scientific method; Shows effect of an IV on DV, either directly or indirectly.

Non-Scientific Evidence

Encompasses evidence not obtained by a controlled experiment or study following scientific method. Includes opinion and anecdote.

Bar Graph

Bars don't touch Y axis or each other; No continuation between one category and the next.

Line Graph

Shows how one variable changes as another variable changes; Variables on X axis are continuous.

Random Errors

Chance factors or variation; Unknown or uncontrolled factors affect the measurement; Effect precision; degree of error varies each time.

Systematic Errors

Factor that consistently favors one condition; Associated with a flaw in some aspect of the research design; Same degree of error each time (consistent); Effect accuracy.

Personal Error

Human Errors (miscalculations, observer error-misreading a score).

Accuracy

How close measurement is to the true value of quantity being measured.

Precision

How closely a set of measurements agree with each other.

Uncertainty

Lack of exact knowledge of value and quantity.

Generalisations

statements that suggest the results of a study could be applied to all members of the population

how findings can apply to situations outside experiment

implications of the findings.

Ideas for future research

• All research can provide a basis for future research into the same or similar ideas.

• A change to one of the following elements of the research is suggested:

  • IV

  • DV

  • Population

  • Measurement method

Beneficence

Maximizing benefits and minimising harm

non-maleficence

• avoiding causing harm

• Benefits outweigh any harm caused

justice

• Everyone has the same opportunities

• Fair consideration of competing claims

• E.g giving control group the option to take the drug after trial if it is good

integrity

• Honestly reporting all findings

• Commitment to knowledge and understanding

respect

• consideration of the value of living things. regarding beliefs, customs and cultural heritage and capacity to make decisions

advantages of between subjects design

No order effects

disadvantages of between subjects design

participant related variables

advantages of within subjects design

no participant related variables

disadvantages of within subjects design

order effects

disadvantages of mixed subjects design

demand characteristics, placebo effect.

advantages of mixed subjects design

no participant related variables