Unit 3 & 4 Psychology Holiday Homework 2026 Study Notes

Unit 3 & 4 Psychology Holiday Homework 2026

Part A: Scientific and Non-Scientific Ideas

• Scientific ideas

  • Defined as testable and evidence-based.

  • Utilizes the scientific method.

• Non-scientific ideas

  • Based on beliefs and traditions.

  • Often subjective and unproven.

Key Concepts in Psychology

• Models

  • Frameworks utilized to understand, explain, and predict complex mental processes, behaviors, and disorders.

• Theories

  • Evidence-based explanations for human behavior.

• Hypothesis

  • A testable prediction that identifies:

  • The population involved.

  • The strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

• Aim

  • The purpose of the study; specifically tests the effect of the independent variable (IV) on the dependent variable (DV).

Variables in Experiments

• Independent Variable (IV)

  • The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter.

• Dependent Variable (DV)

  • The variable that is measured to test the effect of the independent variable.

• Controlled Variable

  • Other variables maintained by the researcher to ensure that any effect on the DV is due to the IV and not influenced by external factors.

• Extraneous Variable

  • Any variable (other than the IV) that could potentially affect the DV.

• Confounding Variable

  • Extraneous variables that were not controlled and, as such, influence the DV.

Research Methods

• Case Studies

  • In-depth investigations of individual cases, often focusing on particular aspects of behavior.

• Correlation Studies

  • Investigates the relationship between two variables.

  • Advantages: Observes settings without manipulation.

  • Disadvantages: Cannot establish causation.

• Controlled Experiments

  • Research methodology where all variables are controlled to ascertain cause-and-effect relationships.

• Literature Reviews

  • Uses secondary data to answer a question or provide research for comparison prior to conducting primary data investigations.

  • Advantages: Provides a broad and flexible overview.

  • Disadvantages: Time-consuming.

• Modelling/Simulations

  • Small or large-scale representations of objects to enable replication, explanation, or investigation.

  • Advantages: Allows safe, controlled environments for research or training.

  • Disadvantages: Can be costly and resource-intensive.

• Product, Process, or System Development

  • Design and development of solutions to meet human needs, often involving technological applications.

  • Advantages: Improves efficiency and reduces errors.

  • Disadvantages: Time and cost-intensive.

• Simulation

  • Utilizes mental or computer processes to understand behavior.

  • Advantages: Maintains controlled variables.

  • Disadvantages: Lacks realism.

• Direct Observation

  • Collecting information by watching the subject without altering the environment.

• Qualitative Interviews

  • In-depth, open-ended conversations aimed at exploring a participant’s subjective experiences, meanings, perspectives, etc.

• Questionnaires

  • Self-reported or researcher-administered tools to measure attitudes and behaviors.

• Focus Groups

  • Qualitative research method involving 6-12 participants discussing topics under the guidance of a moderator.

• Yarning Circles

  • A culturally grounded, relational method derived from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions.

Sampling Techniques

• Difference Between Population and Sample

  • A population is the whole group being studied, while a sample is a subset of that population.

• Convenience Sampling

  • Selected in the quickest and easiest manner possible.

  • Advantages: Very quick and easy to administer.

  • Disadvantages: Not representative of the population, leading to potential bias.

• Random Sampling

  • Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

  • Advantages: Free from selection bias, relatively quick and uncomplicated.

  • Disadvantages: May not be truly representative of the population.

• Random Stratified Sampling

  • Breaks the population into subgroups (strata) and selects participants from each group in the same proportions that they represent in the population.

  • Advantages: More representative of the population.

  • Disadvantages: More time-consuming.

• Define Allocation

  • Assigning participants to different experimental conditions.

• Define Random Allocation

  • The assignment of participants to conditions purely by chance.