Science Inquiry Skills

Apart of Stage 1 and Stage 2 SACE Psychology :)

What does the biopsychological model state?

Psychological phenomena’s can be analysed based off biological, psychological, and social factors.

What are the three types of research designs?

• Experimental

• Observational

• Qualitative

What are six common characteristics of experimental designs?

• Presence of a control group

• Random assignment

• Hypothesis testing

• Pre- and post-testing

• Replication of an experiment

• Cause and effect relationship between IV and DV.

What are some advantages of experimental designs (3 points)?

• Maximises control over extraneous variables affecting the DV.

• Can determine cause and effect between IV and DV.

• Controlled setting allows for easier replication of the experiment.

What are some disadvantages of experimental designs (3 points)?

• May be unethical to manipulate certain variables or randomly allocate participants.

• Controlled setting lacks external validity.

• May not represent entire population.

How do independent groups of experimental designs work?

Control and experimental groups are randomly allocated in a typically controlled setting to compare the group’s results in order to determine if the IV had an effect.

What is the difference between observational and experimental design?

Observational is where pre-existing data is examined whereas experimental is where the experimenter controls everything in the experiment.

What are three common characteristics of observational designs?

• Independent variable isn’t manipulated

• Research is done in natural settings.

• Can determine associations between variables but cannot determine cause and effect due to lack of control.

What are some advantages of observational designs (4 points)?

• Allows study of variables that are impossible to manipulate.

• Allows for observation of human behaviour in natural settings.

• May allow for bigger population samples.

• More likely to have higher validity.

What are some disadvantages of observational designs (2 points)?

• Observer bias can negatively affect results.

• Hard to replicate study if doing naturalistic observation approach.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Qualitative involves data that is descriptive whereas quantitative involves numbers.

What are some advantages of quantitative data (3 points)?

• Usually done in controlled conditions so more likely to be valid.

• Can be directly verified if objective to improve validity.

• Can get substantial data in a short amount of time.

What are some disadvantages of quantitative data (2 points)?

• Doesn’t explain results, only shows numbers.

• Still may be biased if subjective.

What are some advantages of qualitative data (5 points)?

• Convenient

• Gain rich verbal data.

• Very useful if little is known about a topic.

• Can get reliable information if using delphi technique.

• Allows opinions to be expressed on complex topics.

What are some disadvantages of qualitative data (3 points)?

• Cannot generalise results due to subjective nature.

• Presence of facilitator can affect what is said.

• Personal bias/extraneous variables can affect data.

What is the difference between subjective and objective?

Subjective can be altered by personal opinions whereas objective isn’t.

Why is it possible in an experimental design to determine cause and effect but not observational?

Experimental designs can control or manipulate variables whereas observational can only observe pre-existing data without direct intervention.

What is the difference between control and experimental group?

Control groups does not receive the treatment whereas experimental does.

What is the difference between single-blind and double-blind study?

Single-blind study is where the participants are unaware of allocation to a specific group whereas double-blind study is where both the participants and experimenter are unaware.

What are three types of objective quantitative data that can be collected?

• Standardised tests

• Physiological measures

• Behaviour counts

What are three types of subjective quantitative data that can be collected?

• Rating scales (e.g. likert scale)

• Self-reports

• Observations

What are three types of qualitative techniques that can be used for data?

• Focus groups

• Delphi technique

• Interviews

What is the difference between constant and extraneous variables?

Constant variables remain the same throughout the experiment whereas extraneous interferes with data and has an unwanted effect on the DV.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variable?

Independent variable is where a variable is deliberately manipulated whereas dependent variable is measured based on the IV.

What are three types of graphs commonly used in research?

• Line graph and scatterplots

• Bar graphs

• Histograms

What is the difference between normal and skewed distribution?

Normal distribution is where a set of data is symmetrical whereas skewed distribution is uneven that clusters to the left or right.

What is the difference between validity and reliability?

Validity refers to how accurate a method measures what it sets out to measure whereas reliability is a measure of how consistent the results are on repeated trails.

What are three types of sampling?

• Convenience

• Random

• Stratified

Sample

A subsection or smaller group of participants selected from a population of similar characteristics.

How is data calculated (3 points)?

Using mean, median, and standard deviation.

What are the six types of ethical considerations in research?

1. Informed consent

2. Voluntary participation

3. Confidentiality

4. Right to Withdraw

5. Free from psychological harm

6. Debriefing

Generalisation

A general statement or concept obtained for a specific situation.

Content Analysis

The process of collating and analysing qualitative data, mostly from the focus group.