These notes contain the whole of Topic 7, Research Methods, for GCSE Psychology. Research Methods are the key to securing a good grade in the subject so they are condense but contain all the information needed to make learning easy.
Hypothesis Experimental designs
Statement made by researcher to show their predictions before Describes how participants are allocated to groups
carrying out a study, usually predicting the affect the IV will have on Repeated measures design
the DV Participants may take part in both/all conditions of the experiment
Null Hypothesis Strengths – No participant variables (any difference in conditions
Prediction stating there will be no difference or correlation in will not be due to differences between participants)
results Cost effective (less participants needed)
Alternative Hypothesis Weaknesses – Risk of order effects (e.g. practice effects as
Prediction stating there will be a difference or correlation in results participants perform better on the 2nd condition, or
boredom/fatigue so participants perform worse on
Variables 2nd condition)
Describe things that can change in studies If you vary test to avoid practice affects or fatigue
Independent variable (IV) you may end up with extraneous variables
Variable that is manipulated or changed by researcher Independent measures design
Dependent variable (DV) Participants take part in only one condition
The variable that will change/be affected by the IV Strengths – No order effects (they can’t practice or get bored of the
Co-variables
Two variables related to each other and could have a correlation 2nd condition)
One does not necessarily affect the other Weaknesses – Any differences between conditions may be due to
Always measured on a scale (e.g. number of crimes committed in a participant variables (individual differences between
year) participants) rather than IV
Extraneous variable More participants needed
Other factors that could affect the study’s outcome if not controlled Counterbalancing
Can be controlled with standardization but randomisation and Sample split in half, one half does condition A then B, the other half
counterbalancing is also acceptable do condition B then A, then compare results (ABBA)
Confounding variable Order effects
Something that has affected the results of a stud When the order causes inaccurate reflection of behaviours
E.g. Practice effects or boredom/fatigue
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