Research Methods in Psychology - Generalisability & Sampling

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on generalisability and sampling in psychology research.

Generalisability

The extent to which research findings can be applied to settings, people, times, and measures beyond the study.

Sampling

The process of selecting cases from a population to participate in a research study.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study accurately demonstrates a causal relationship between variables, free from bias or confounding.

External Validity

The extent to which research findings can be generalized to and have relevance for settings, people, times, and measures outside the study.

Target Population

All cases relevant to the research question defined by inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Accessible Population

All cases within the target population that could potentially be included in the research.

Sample

A subset of the accessible population that actually participates in the research.

Representativeness

The degree to which the characteristics of the sample reflect those of the target population.

Probability Sampling

Sampling methods where every case in the target population has an equal probability of being selected.

Non-probability Sampling

Sampling methods where the probability of being selected is uneven and unknown.

Simple Random Sampling

A sampling method where every individual has an equal chance of inclusion.

Systematic Random Sampling

A sampling method where individuals are selected at fixed intervals from a list.

Stratified Random Sampling

A sampling method where the population is divided into smaller groups and samples are drawn from each.

Cluster Random Sampling

A sampling method where similar groups are identified and entire clusters are selected randomly.

Quota Sampling

A method where the researcher selects participants until a predetermined quota is met.

Self-select Sampling

Participants are chosen based on their voluntary willingness to participate.

Convenience Sampling

Recruitment of participants who are easily accessible to the researcher.

Snowball Sampling

A method where participants refer additional subjects from their acquaintance.

Purposive Sampling

Participants are selected based on specific characteristics that the study requires.

Sampling Bias

Occurs when some members of the target population have a higher probability of being selected than others.

WEIRD

An acronym for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic; describes the bias in psychology research samples.

Ecological Validity

The extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-world settings.

Temporal Generalisability

The degree to which findings from a study can be applied to different times or temporal contexts.

Healthy User Bias

A sampling bias where participants tend to be healthier than the general population.