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A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY - RESEARCH METHODS EXAM Q&A
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A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY - RESEARCH METHODS EXAM Q&A
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A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY - RESEARCHMETHODS EXAM Q&A
Aim - Answer-A general expression of what the researcher intends to investigate
Hypothesis - Answer-A precise and operationalised statement about the assumed
relationship between variables
Directional Hypothesis - Answer-States the direction of the predicted difference between
two conditions or two groups of participants
Non-directional Hypothesis - Answer-Predicts simply that there is a difference between
two conditions or two groups of participants without stating the direction of the
difference
Independent Variable - Answer-Some event that either naturally varies or is directly
manipulated by an experiment in order to test it's effect on another variable
Dependent Variable - Answer-A measurable outcome of the action of the independent
variable in an experiment
Operationalise - Answer-Ensuring that variables are in a form that can be easily
measured.
Experimental method - Answer-A researcher causes the independent variable to vary
and records the effect of the IV on the dependent variable. The DV must be
operationalised.
Control - Answer-(Refers to) The extent to which any variable is held constant or
regulated by a researcher
Extraneous Variables - Answer-'Nuisance' variables that do not vary systematically with
the IV. A researcher may control some of these.
Confounding Variable - Answer-Change systematically with the IV so we cannot be sure
if any observed change in the DV is due to the CV or the IV. CVs must be controlled.
Demand Characteristics - Answer-Refers to any cue from the researcher or research
situation that may reveal the aim of the study
Investigator Effect - Answer-Any effect of the investigator's behaviour on the outcome of
the research (the DV)
, Randomisation - Answer-The use of chance when designing investigations to control for
the effects of bias
Standardisation - Answer-Using exactly the same formalised procedures for all ps in a
research study
Control groups - Answer-Control groups are used for the purpose of setting a
comparison. They act as a 'baseline' and help establish causation.
Single Blind Design - Answer-A ps doesn't know the aims of the study so that demand
characteristics are reduced.
Double Blind Design - Answer-Both ps and researcher don't know the aims of the study
to reduce demand characteristics and investigator effects.
Participant Variables - Answer-Individual differences. Differences among participants,
overcome by a large sample size which dilutes any extremes
Situational Variables - Answer-People act differently in different situations. Time of day,
Lab setting vs Natural setting
Validity - Answer-(Refers to) Whether an observed effect is a genuine one
External Validity - Answer-The degree to which a research finding can be generalised
Ecological Validity - Answer-A type of External Validity - generalising to other settings
Population Validity - Answer-A type of External Validity - generalising to other groups of
people
Temporal Validity - Answer-A type of External Validity - generalising to other times/over
time
Cultural Validity - Answer-A type of External Validity - generalising to other cultures
Internal Validity - Answer-The degree to which an observed effect was due to the
experimental manipulation rather than other factors such as extraneous or confounding
variables
Mundane Realism - Answer-(Refers to) How a study mirrors the real world. The
research environment is realistic to the degree to which experiences encountered in the
research environment will occur in the real world.
Independent Groups - Answer-One group does one condition the other group does the
other condition. Each ps experiences one condition and they're randomly allocated to
the groups.
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