AICE AS/A Level Psychology Chapter 5 Study Guide (Basically Research Methods)

Key Concepts

Research Methods

  • Experiments: Involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. Includes laboratory, field, and natural experiments.

  • Non-experimental Research Methods:

    • Self-reports: Questionnaires and interviews where participants provide written or spoken answers.

    • Case Studies: In-depth investigations into individuals or small groups using various data collection methods.

  • Correlations: Examines the relationship between two co-variables without manipulation.

  • Longitudinal Studies: Observes the same group over an extended period.

Methodological Concepts

  • Aims: Statement of what the researcher intends to achieve.

  • Hypotheses: Predictions about the findings.

  • Variables: Independent (manipulated), dependent (measured), and confounding (uncontrolled factors).

  • Reliability: Consistency of results.

  • Validity: Accuracy of measuring what is intended.

  • Ethics: Considerations like informed consent, deception, and participant withdrawal rights.

Experimental Designs

  • Independent Measures: Different participants in each condition.

  • Repeated Measures: Same participants in all conditions.

  • Matched Pairs: Participants matched on key characteristics.

Strengths

  • Independent Measures: Less demand characteristics.

  • Repeated Measures: No order effects.

  • Matched Pairs: Controls for participant variables.

Weaknesses

  • Independent Measures: Participant variables can reduce validity.

  • Repeated Measures: Order effects can reduce validity.

  • Matched Pairs: Time-consuming and difficult to match perfectly.

Non-experimental Research Methods

  • Self-reports: Questionnaires: Participants answer written questions.

  • Self-reports: Interviews: Face-to-face or telephone discussions.

  • Case Studies: Detailed study of an individual or group.

Strengths

  • Questionnaires: Gather large amounts of data relatively quickly.

  • Interviews: Provide deep insights and understanding.

  • Case Studies: Unique insights into individual cases.

Weaknesses

  • Questionnaires: Participants may not elaborate well in writing.

  • Interviews: Participants may give socially desirable answers.

  • Case Studies: Findings may not generalize to a broader population.

Statistical Analysis

  • Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, median, mode.

  • Range: Difference between highest and lowest scores.

  • Graphs: Bar charts (categorical data), histograms (continuous data), scattergraphs (relationships).

Randomized Control Trials

  • Description: Participants randomly assigned to experimental or control groups.

  • Strengths: Reduces bias, ensures characteristics are balanced.

  • Weaknesses: Placebo effect may influence results.

Questionnaires

  • Description: Participants post out or respond to fixed-choice scales.

  • Strengths: Produces quantitative data, easy to compare.

  • Weaknesses: Low response rate, data may not be valid.

Psychometric Tests

  • Description: Measures personality, aptitude, knowledge, or skills.

  • Strengths: Produces objective numerical data.

  • Weaknesses: Stress may affect responses, data may be invalid.

Key Terms

  • Inter-rater Reliability: Agreement between researchers.

  • Test-retest Reliability: Consistency over time.

  • Standardisation: Uniform procedures for replication.

  • Validity: Extent to which results measure what they intend.

Ethical Considerations

  • Informed consent, debriefing, right to withdraw, confidentiality.