Year 10 Psych - Research Methods

Aim

The purpose of the study

Hypothesis

A prediction/educated guess of what will happen during the study

Independent variable

What is manipulated or changed in each condition

Dependent variable

What is being measured

Population

The wider group of people researchers aim to understand

Sample

Participants in a study representing the population of interest

Random sampling

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

Experimental group

Receives the independent variable during the study

Control group

Does not receive the independent variable during the study

Extraneous variables

Factors influencing the dependent variable not related to the independent variable

Participant variables

Individual aspects of participants influencing the dependent variable

Situational variables

Aspects of the situation affecting the dependent variable

Experimenter effect

Influences on research results from the experimenter

between-subjects design

Participants are randomly allocated into either an experimental group or control group

within-subjects design

Participants are in both the control and the experimental groups

Primary data

Research that has been conducted by the researcher

Secondary data

research that is taken from another researcher

Quantitative data

data that has numerical values that can be measured, counted or compared with on a numerical scale

Qualitative data

data that is focused on rich and insightful descriptions

Bar graphs

Used to display data in discrete categories

Line Graphs

Used when data is numerical and continuous

Convenience sampling

using a sample of people who are readily available to participate

Stratified sampling

The population is divided into groups with a common attribute and a random sample is chosen within each group

Respect

Giving due regard to individual difference and ensuring the right to autonomy and choice

Justice

Ensuring fair distribution of benefits, risks, costs and resources

Informed consent

Ensuring participants understand the nature, purpose and risks of the study before agreeing to participate

Confidentiality

Ensuring the privacy of participants' personal information

Non-maleficence

Avoiding harm or ensuring potential harm is outweighed by benefits

Withdrawal rights

Allowing participants to discontinue involvement in an experiment, without penalty

Integrity

Acting with honesty and transparency

Use of deception

Concealing aspects of the study (only used when absolutely necessary, and must be accompanied by debriefing)

Beneficence

Having a commitment to do good (and minimise risks and harms)

Debriefing

After the experiment, disclosing the aim, results and conclusions, answering questions and providing support

Voluntary participation

Ensuring there is no coercion or pressure to participate