basic psychology unit 5

Experimental method

Involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another. This method relies on controlled methods, random assignments and the manipulation of variables to test a hypothesis.

• Hypothesis

  • A testable prediction often implied by a theory

• IV - Independent variable

  • The variable that researchers will actively manipulate and ,if the hypothesis is correct, that will cause change in the dependent variable

  • the experimental variable which causes something to happen

• DV - Dependent variable

  • Variable that should show the effect of the independent variable

Observational method

Naturalistic observation

When researchers gather information by observing the individual’s behaviour in relatively normal environment without attempting to change or control the environment.

Participant observation

Active observation

the researcher is actively involved in the situation

Observer bias

the tendency for observers’ expectations to influence what they believed they observe and what they actually observed

Case study

A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in hopes of revealing universal principles

Survey method

A technique ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviour of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

Field experiment

An experiment that occurs in a real world setting rather than a laboratory, participants are usually unaware