ib psychology paper 3

true experiment

(quantitative research methods)

a) Examines the effects of an IV on a DV

b) The researcher manipulates the IV, so random allocation to the treatment or control condition is possible

c) Takes place in a controlled environment and extraneous variables are controlled

field experiment

(quantitative research methods)

a) Examines the effects of an IV on a DV

b) Takes place in a naturalistic setting (Experimental Method)

c) Control of extraneous variables is not always possible

quasi-experiment

(quantitative research methods)

a) Examines the effects of an IV on a DV

b) One or more conditions of a true experiment can't be met, e.g. no random allocation to conditions is possible

c) "In quasi-experiments, participants are grouped based on a characteristic of interest, such as gender, ethnicity, or scores on a depression scale"

natural experimetn:

(quantitative research methods)

a) Examines the effects of an IV on a DV

b) The IV is naturally occurring without researcher involvement, he just observes (eg. natural disaster, becker et al before and after tv intro)

c) Extraneous variables may not always be controlled

correlational study

(quantitative research methods)

a) Does not have an IV or DV, but has co-variables

b) Tests the strength of relationships of co-variables by calculating a correlation coefficient

case study

(quantitative research methods)

a) An in-depth investigation of an individual, small group or organization

b) Multiple methods are used to gather data (which is what makes them "in-depth")

c) often combine qualitative and quant

survey

(quantitative research methods) (unlikely)

a) Gathers data on a large number of participants

b) Uses data gathering techniques such as questionnaires

naturalistic observation (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) Subjects' behaviour is observed in a naturalistic environment

b) Field notes and other data gathering techniques are used

c) Observations may be followed by interviews

covert/overt observations (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) Covert = subjects are not aware they are being observed

b) Overt = subjects are aware they are being observed c) Usually take place in naturalistic environments in qualitative research

partipant / nonparticipant observations (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) Participant = the researcher becomes a member of the group they are observing

b) Non-participant = the researcher stays removed from the group they are observing

qualitative interviews (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) Face-to-face discussion involving the researcher asking questions to the participants

b) The researcher gathers qualitative data

semi-structured interviews - qualitative interview subcat (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) An interview that follows an interview schedule - it includes an outline of topics to be covered, but allows for deviation and elaboration

b) Can include a combination of open and closed questions

c) It resembles a conversation

unstructured interviews - qualitative interview subcat (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) The interviewer has topics to cover, but there is a lot of freedom and the precise questions and order are not fixed

b) Can include open and closed questions

c) The interview evolves as a result of the interactions between the researcher and the interviewee

focus group interviews - qualitative interview subcat (QUALITATIVE research methods)

a) A group interview (about 6-10 participants)

b) Focus groups rely on group processes and the interaction of individuals to help reveal information that might not be revealed in individual interviews

c) The interviewer acts as a moderator and, if done well, the interview will resemble a group discussion

random sampling

• When every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected

• The aim is to obtain a sample that is representative of the target population

• It can reduce the chance of sampling bias

convenience/opportunity sampling

• Gathers participants who happen to be available for study at a convenient time or place.

• It is based on convenience, for both researcher and participant

• Depending on the nature of the study, it may lead to sampling and/or researcher bias.

volunteer/self selected sampling

• Participants are the ones that approach the researchers and volunteer to participate in the study

• There is typically some form of marketing that calls for volunteers

• Participants may have more commitment to the study due to the fact that they volunteered.

purposive sampling

• Participants who share characteristics that are relevant and of interest to researchers are asked to participate in the study

• • They may be recruited through a range of methods, including direct contact or referral from someone else

snowball sampling

• A group of initial participants (called “seeds”) invite others to participate in the study

• The sample keeps growing in size until the desired size has been reached

• It is particularly useful when studying "hidden populations” (people who do not want others to know about them or who are hard to find).

(additional method) correlationial study

• suitable if there are two co-variables that can be identified in the study and researcher can see how stronly they are connected

• correlational method could deduce the strength of the relationship.

(additional method) triangulation

• consdier if theres a reason to think the study would benefit from triangulation.

• can increase credibility (qualitative) or reliability (quantitative) of the study if similar findings reported

(additional method) naturalistic observation

This could be a suitable method if prior studies have been conducted in artificial environments and/or they have gathered behavioral data using questionnaires, interviews or other non-observational methods

avoid this in p3:

• Don’t get confused between qualitative and quantitative methods

• Don’t forget to reference the scenario throughout

  • A generic response which does not use the scenario to support the points made will not achieve a high mark

• Remember not to spend too long on Question 1

  • This is the most straightforward question which you should be able to complete quickly so that you can spend more time on Questions 2 and 3, which are more demanding

• Don’t write about any other study that you are familiar with

  • The scenario you have been given is the only piece of research you should focus on, you will not get any credit for citing other studies 

guidance for p3:

• Make sure that you answer all the questions

• Make sure that you reference the scenario to support the points you make across all the questions

• Make sure that you adhere to the demands of the command term

  • This is very important for Paper 3 as not all of the command terms are asking you to do the same thing e.g.

    • ‘Discuss, requires you to offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses

• Include explanation of the keywords e.g. 

  • Reflexivity involves a researcher examining their own attitudes and views to check for bias…

• Make sure you use the words from the question in your answer e.g.

  • An alternative research method which could be used in a focus group interview as…