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Summary - PY3 - Psychology: Research Methods and Issues in Research
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A document with a full set of definitions and formulae necessary for the Psychology unit 2 exam on Research Methods.
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Psychology definitionsResearch Methods
Primary Research – Data gathered directly by first-hand experience. (Questionnaires,
interviews, experiments, etc.) Can be gathered using several methods. Specifically relate to
the aim of the research.
Strengths – Enables the researcher to have greater control over the data.
Weaknesses – Can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Secondary Research – The summary, collection, and use of pre-existing research.
Gathering and analysing data from research that has been conducted by another
researcher. (Literature reviews or content analysis).
Strengths – Less time consuming and cheaper than primary research.
Weaknesses – May not exactly fit the aim of the study due to it being secondary,
-- Compromises the validity of the study.
Qualitative Data – Quality data that is not normally statistically analysed. Information in
words that cannot be counted or quantified. Detailed, In depth information.
Strengths – Can provide detailed information which can provide unexpected insights
into thoughts and behaviours because the answers are not restricted.
-- Reflects people's unique feelings/thoughts/behaviours.
Weaknesses – The complexity of analysing this type of data makes it difficult to
draw conclusions.
Quantitative Data – A large amount of data that is easily compared and statistically
analysed. Refers to how much or how many or how long, etc.
Strengths – This data is easy to analyse using descriptive and inferential statistics.
-- It enables conclusions to be easily drawn and comparisons to be
made.
Weaknesses – This data may oversimplify reality e.g. a questionnaire with closed
questions may force people to choose answers that do not represent their
true feelings.
Independent Variable – The variable that is manipulated. Assumed to affect the DV
(Dependent Variable).
Dependent Variable – The variable that is measured. May be affected by the IV
(Independent Variable)
Extraneous Variables – Affects ALL participants. May affect the outcome.
Confounding variables – Affects ONE or SOME participants. May affect the outcome.
Hypothesis – A clear guess. A precise, testable statement.
, Participants who ___________ are more likely to ________ than participants who
__________.
Null Hypothesis – The independent variable will not affect the dependent variable.
There will be NO difference in DV between _________ and ___________.
Non-Directional Hypothesis -
There will be A difference in DV between __________ and ___________.
Operationalisation – The value of the variable must be put into measurable terms.
Lab Research -
- Artificial Environment.
- High levels of control.
- Easy for others to replicate.
- Easy to maintain ethical guidelines.
- Participant may change their behaviour due to awareness of being observed.
(Hawthorne Effect)
Field Research -
- Natural setting.
- Low levels of control.
- Natural behaviour.
- Allows research which would not be possible in a lab.
- Difficult to measure and control variables.
- Lack of standardised procedures,
- Not all equipment can be used in the field.
- Difficult to get consent and debrief participants.
Online Research -
- May obtain diverse sample, increasing population validity.
- More cost effective than research in a lab.
- Quicker analysis of data.
- Dependent on Wi-Fi/4G
- Anonymous participants, limiting the ability to follow ethical guidelines.
Valid Consent – Revealing the true aims of the study so participants can make an informed
decision on whether they want to participate in the study.
Prior General Consent – Giving participants a list of studies asking them which are
acceptable, if yours is seen as acceptable, then you can use them in your study.
Presumptive Consent – Gaining views on what is acceptable from the general public.
Cost-Benefit Analysis – If the potential benefits of a piece of research out way the potential
costs to the participants, then the research may be allowed to go ahead.
Active Deception – To deliberately mislead your participants.
Passive Deception – To not tell the participant the real aim of the study.
Ethical Guidelines -
- Valid consent.
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