Debates

Controlling Variables

Ensures that the findings of a study are accurate and that the IV directly affects the DV without interference from extraneous variables.

Extraneous Variables

Any variable other than the IV that affects the DV.

Confounding Variables

An extraneous variable that systematically affects one condition more than another.

Situational Variables

Aspects of the environment that may influence behavior, such as noise, lighting, and temperature.

Participant Variables

Individual differences between participants, such as intelligence or mood, that affect the DV.

Standardization

Keeping procedure, materials, and instructions the same for all participants to eliminate procedural inconsistencies.

Randomization

Using random allocation to assign participants to different conditions to reduce participant variables.

Counterbalancing

Alternating the order of conditions in Repeated Measures Design to control for order effects.

Single-Blind Design

Participants do not know which condition they are in, reducing demand characteristics.

Double-Blind Design

Both participants and experimenters do not know the condition assignments to prevent researcher bias.

Pilot Study

A small-scale trial before the main experiment to identify uncontrolled variables early.

Validity

The extent to which a study measures what it claims to measure and produces accurate results.

Internal Validity

The extent to which the study controls confounding variables, ensuring changes in the DV are caused by the IV.

Ecological Validity

The extent to which findings generalize to real-world settings.

Mundane Realism

The degree to which tasks in a study resemble real-life situations.

Face Validity

The extent to which a test appears to measure what it claims to measure based on superficial assessment.

Concurrent Validity

The extent to which a new test correlates with an established, validated measure.

Generalizability

The extent to which study findings apply to different populations, settings, and time periods.

Demand Characteristics

Participants altering behavior based on perceived study aims, reducing validity.

Researcher Bias

Researcher expectations influencing participant behavior or result interpretation.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled factors affecting the DV outside of the IV’s influence.

Social Desirability Bias

Participants responding in a way that appears favorable rather than truthfully.

Reliability

The consistency and repeatability of a research method, ensuring stable results across time and conditions.

Internal Reliability

Consistency within a study, ensuring all participants experience the same standardized conditions.

External Reliability

Consistency over time, allowing for the study to be replicated with the same results.

Inter-Rater Reliability

The degree to which two or more observers produce the same qualitative data from the same event.

Split-Half Method

A method for checking internal consistency by comparing results from two halves of a test.

Test-Retest Method

Administering the same test twice to the same participants at different times to check for stability.

Validity vs. Reliability

Validity measures accuracy of the study, while reliability measures consistency of the results.

Ethical Guidelines

Standardized principles ensuring research is ethical, responsible, and minimizes harm.

Privacy in Research

Ensures no invasion of personal space or unauthorized access to personal data.

Debriefing in Research

Full explanation of study aims and consequences provided to participants after participation.

Protection from Harm

No participant should experience greater risk than in daily life during the research.

Informed Consent

Participants must be given sufficient details before agreeing to partake in a study.

Right to Withdraw

Participants must be able to leave at any time and request removal of their data.

Deception in Research

Deliberate misinformation about the study that is allowed only under certain ethical justifications.

Confidentiality

Participant identity and data must be kept secure and anonymous.

Replacement in Animal Research

Consider alternatives instead of using live animals in research.

Species & Strain in Animal Research

Select a scientifically appropriate species and consider prior experience and welfare.

Minimum Numbers in Animal Research

Use the smallest number of animals necessary to achieve research goals.

Procedures in Animal Research

Minimize stress, discomfort, or injury requiring a Project Licence in animal studies.

Pain & Distress in Animal Research

Avoid suffering in animal research and monitor for adverse effects.

Application of Psychology

The practical use of psychological theories and research findings to improve human behavior.

Individual vs Situational Explanations

Examines whether behavior is influenced by internal factors or external factors.

Nature vs Nurture Debate

Explores whether behavior is determined by biological/genetic influences or social influences.

Use of Children in Research

Key ethical considerations include informed consent and protection from harm.

Risk Assessment in Research

A pre-study risk analysis conducted to ensure the safety of participants.