OCR Psychology Research Methods and Statistics Review

Comprehensive flashcards covering psychological research terminology, statistical definitions, and report components based on 2016-2025 exam transcripts.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated or naturally occurring to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Mode

A measure of central tendency that identifies the most frequently occurring response in a data set.

Standard deviation

A measure of dispersion that informs us about the spread of scores around the mean.

Extraneous variable

Variables other than the independent variable that could potentially influence the dependent variable in a study.

Inter-rater reliability

The consistency in the recordings made by two or more different observers.

Parametric tests

Inferential statistical tests that assume data are drawn from a normally distributed population and usually involve interval level data.

Deductive reasoning

A logical process in science where a theory is proposed first, followed by observations or data collection.

Likert scale

A scale involving responses to a series of statements in terms of the extent to which a participant agrees or disagrees.

Quasi experiment

A type of experiment characterized by an independent variable that is naturally occurring and cannot be manipulated.

Target population

The specific group of people that researchers want to study and apply their findings to.

Split-half reliability

A type of reliability involving dividing a test into two parts and comparing scores on both parts.

Secondary data

Data used in a study that already exists and was not collected first-hand by the researcher.

Social desirability

The tendency of participants to respond in a way that is approved of by society rather than being truthful.

Harvard system

A standardized way of writing academic references in a practical report.

Semantic differential rating scale

A scale where respondents select a point on a line with words that have opposite meanings at either end.

Peer review

The process where research is evaluated by fellow academics or psychologists prior to publication.

Type 1 error

A statistical error where the null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected.

Type 2 error

A statistical error where the null hypothesis is incorrectly accepted.

Criterion validity

The extent to which scores on one measure can predict the outcome on another related measure.

Coding frame

A technique used to enable qualitative data to be recorded as quantitative data.

Representativeness

The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the target population.

Degrees of freedom

A value ($df$) used to find the critical value in certain inferential statistical tests like Chi-square.

Time sampling

A technique for recording data when using the observation method where behavior is recorded at specific time intervals.

Raw data

The data collected in a study before any statistical analysis has been performed.

Abstract

A section of a practical report write-up that provides a concise summary of the research conducted.

Primary data

Data obtained directly from the sample by the researchers.

Concurrent validity

A type of validity referring to the agreement between two measures or assessments taken at the same time.

Overt observation

A type of observation where participants are aware that their behavior is being studied.

Covert observation

A type of observation conducted in a way that participants are unaware they are being watched.

Falsification

A feature of science referring to the importance of being able to refute a psychologist’s claim.

Induction

A logical process where observations generate a likely theory.

Nominal data

The most basic level of data, which involves placing responses into named categories.

Ordinal data

A level of data that can be ranked or put into order, where the gaps between the data points are not necessarily equal.

Interval data

A level of data measured on a scale where the intervals between the values are equal and standardized.