IB Psychology Paper 3 Vocabulary Terms

Define Qualitative Research

collecting and analyzing non-numerical data

Define Quantitative Reseach

collecting and analyzing numerical data

Define Case Studies

detailed analysis of an area of interest to produce case-dependent knowledge— can be in-depth study of an individual or small group

Define Naturalistic Observations

observations of naturally occurring behavior in a natural setting— observations may be participant or non-participant observations

Define Interviews

method that relies on asking questions to collect data, involves 2+ people, interviewer asks questions

Define Experiments

have one clear independent and dependent variable with all other factors being controlled as far as possible— there may only be two conditions for independent variable: one is the control, and the other is the test condition

Define Field Experiments

researcher manipulates independent variables but conducts experiment in a real-life environment; extraneous variables cannot be controlled

Define Quasi-experiments

participants are grouped based on a characterstic of interest, otherwise still ran as an experiment

Define Natural Experiments

researchers find naturally occurring variables and study them

Define Correlation Research

study with focus on two variables, however they are not dependent/independent variables— instead hypothesis is based on co-variables not cause and effect

Explain the types of Interviews

Unstructured/Narrative: most flexible, questions presented are not set and interview is based on participant’s previous answers

Semi-structured: questions are asked in a predetermined thematic framework, but questions are not in a set order or phrasing

Focus Group: group interview involving a small number of demographic related participants

Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research

quantitative research focuses on numerical data to predict/describe/control variables whereas qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data to understand concepts/experiences

Define Triangulation

use of multiple sources and studies to study a phenomenon— done to overcome biases or limitations

Define Matched Pair Designs

randomly assign one of a pair to either the control or experimental group

Define independent samples/independent measures design

uses two separate groups of participants— example: one group is assigned to control, and the other to the experimental condition

Define Repeated Measures

exposes participants to each condition making up the independent variable

Define Method Triangulation

theory investigated using variety of experimental and non-experimental methods

Define Time Triangulation

research gathered during one specific time period may be popular for specific time periods (i.e. cross-sectional and/or longitudinal)

Define Cross-sectional Triangulation

data gathered at one time

Define Combined Levels Triangulation

individual, group, or larger collective/organizational level (ex. society)

Define Longitudinal Data Triangulation

data gathered over time

Define Observer Triangulation

narratives, special kinds of stories

Define Theory Triangulation

Two similar theories have support or 2+ theories are combined to create another theory

Define Space Triangulation

cross-cultural verification of a theory

Advantages of Triangulation

1. reduces experimenter bias

2. gives broader/more complex causation model of behavior

3. reduces method-bound theories

4. reduces culture-bound theories

Define Representative sampling

selection of a subsample of a group to represent a larger population

Define Nonrepresentative Sampling

Sample does not accurately reflect population or target audience, can introduce errors into the study

What are Strengths of Representative Sampling?

1. researcher involvement

2. rich data collection

3. detailed accounts

4. ambiguities/contradictions that reflect society

What are Weaknesses of Representative Sampling?

1. time-consuming

2. costly

3. open to interpretation

4. fewer participants studied

5. subjective data

Define Simple Random Sampling

all participants have an equal chance of being selected

Define Stratified Random Sampling

target population is divided into proportional chunks

Define Opportunity Sampling

participants selected based on availability and access

Define Purposive Sampling

participants selected for a purpose

Define Theoretical Sampling

participants selected based on potential contribution to theoretical concepts

What takes place Before an Interview?

1. how to act as an interviewer

2. how to direct interview

3. consider ethical questions/issues

4. potential for demand characteristics

What takes place During an Interview?

1. creating/maintaining good relationships w/ participants

2. consideration of impact to participants

3. think about staging process

4. empathy vs overly involved with participant

5. managing of sensitive issues with sensitivity/emotional responses

What takes place After an Interview?

1. transcription of interview (both traditional and post-modern)

2. ensure end of interview goes smoothly

3. inform participant data can be withdrawn if desired