Psychology Research methods 1a:

Falsifiability

Falsifiability

a feature of a scientific theory, where there is a possibility that a statement or hypothesis can be proved wrong

Objectivity

measurement of the data is not affected by the expectations of the researcher

Replicability

recording procedures carefully in order for another researcher to repeat them and verify the original results

empirical method

methods of gaining knowledge which rely on direct observation or testing

paradigm

a shared set of assumptions about a subject matter of a discipline and the methods appropriate to its study

Pardigm Shift

progress within an established science occurs when there is a scientific revolution. Resulting in a handful of researchers questioning the accepted paradigm and when this opposition gains pace and popularity, eventually a paradigm shift occurs.

hypothesis testing

in order to make clear and precise predictions on the basis of a theory. It should be tested using systematic, objective methods to determine if it should be supported or rejected.

laboratory experiment

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment where the experimenter manipulates the IV and measures the DV

Extraneous variable (EV)

any variable other than the IV that can cause a change in the DV. These can be controlled by the experimenter

examples of extraneous variables

age of participants, time limits for tasks, content of word lists etc

Confounding Variables (CV)

Variable that aren't controlled for in an experiment and do affect the results

examples of cofounding variables

weather, mood of participants, personalities, individual differences etc

advantages of lab experiments

controlled environment (no extraneous variables), high internal validity and replicability

disadvantages of lab experiments

Low ecological validity and mundane realism, High demand characteristics

field experiment

an experiment conducted in a real world environment

advantages of field experiments

high ecological validity, reduced demand characteristics

disadvantages of field experiments

low internal validity (due to extraneous variables), less replicability, can't be sure the dependent had changed due to the independent

natural experiment

conducted when you are unable to deliberately manipulate an IV (so it occurs naturally) due to ethical/practical reasons

advantages of natural experiments

allows important research to be done where IV isn't able to be manipulated, high ecological validity

disadvantages of natural experiments

lack of casual relationship (IV wasn't directly manipulated) so it may just be correlated, confounding variables can't be controlled

quasi-experiment

IV has not been to vary by anyone, it's an already existing difference (e.g gender)

advantages of quasi-experiments

can be carried out in a lab (high control+replicability), allows comparisons between types of people (valuable data)

disadvantages of quasi-experiments

may be carried out in a lab (low ecological validity), lack of random allocation (may be confounding variables)

internal reliability

is there a consistency in an internal environment (each pps in the study treated the same way)

External reliability

same results found after repeated test

Improving reliability

repetition

internal validity

IV effect only (measure what's it's meant to measure)

external validity

generalised beyond the research setting (realistic?)

ecological validity

realistic setting?

Population validity

applicable sample?

Temporal validity

Does it stand the 'test of time' (relevant to era?)

Improving validity

larger sample size, more realistic setting etc

independent groups

an experimental research design for which each participant is randomly allocated to one of two (or more) entirely separate (independent) conditions (groups)

repeated measures

an experimental procedure in which research participants are tested or measured more than once as a whole group

matched pairs

match pairs of pps on the basis of (identities and specific criteria), then treating the experiment as independent measures, comparing the results treating them like repeated measures

Advantages of independent groups

No order effect and reduces the possibility of demand characteristics as participants only take part in 1 condition

Advantages of repeated measures

few participant variables, higher internal validity, few participants needed

Advantages of matched pairs

less demand characteristics and increased internal validity

Disadvantages of independent groups

pps variables not the same, IV not necessarily the cause (different in pps), less economical (expensive)

Disadvantages of repeated measures

order effects, demand characteristics more likely

Disadvantages of Matched pairs

participant differences can affect outcome, time consuming, not very economical

demand characteristics

clues and hints to what the aim of the study is indicating to pps sometimes leading them to change their behaviour

investigator effects

effects of the investigator's behaviour on the research outcome

single blind design

pps aren't aware of the aims of the study, but the researcher is

double blind design

neither the researcher nor the pps are aware of the true aims of the study (important feature of drug trials)

control group

in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment

Confederates

actors who work on behalf of the researcher given specific instructions on how to behave, as pps aren't aware that the confederate isn't just another pps

randomisation

the use of chance methods to control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental designs.

standardisation

using the same formalised procedures and instructions for all pps

pilot study

a small scale trial run of the actual experiment. The aims are to check the procedures, materials, measuring tools etc all work

Advantages of pilot studies

allows training for confederates and observers, experimental realism (the extent to which pps experience the experimental situation intended), allows to check for potential faults and what changes/modifications need to be made.