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Summary AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes
AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes
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Aims and Hypotheses:Aim –
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose
of the study
o Aims are developed from theories
Hypotheses –
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the
variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study
o Directional hypothesis: states the anticipated direction of the difference or
relationship – used when the findings of previous research suggest a
particular outcome
o Non-directional hypothesis: does not state the anticipated direction of the
difference or relationship – used when there is no previous research, or
findings from earlier studies are contradictory
Variables:
Independent variable –
An aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher,
or changes naturally, so the effect on the DV can be measured
Dependent variable –
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should
be caused by the change in the IV
o All other variables that might potentially affect the DV should remain
constant, so the researcher can be sure that the cause of the effect on the
DV was the IV
,Experimental Design:
Repeated measures –
All participants take part in both conditions, 1st then 2nd
Results of first condition compared to second
Pros: fewer participants needed, no individual differences
Cons: participant effects such as demand characteristics, order effect
Independent groups –
Group split, each half takes part in one condition
Results of condition 1 compared to condition 2
Pros: no order effects, fewer demand characteristics
Cons: individual differences between participants, need more participants
Matched pairs –
Matches found, one of each pair in each condition
Results of condition 1 compared to condition 2
Pros: reduces individual differences between groups, reduces demand
characteristics
Cons: difficult to match pairs
, Observational Techniques:
Naturalistic –
Real life setting
Pros: high external validity
Cons: low control over extraneous variables
Controlled –
Variables are altered
Pros: high control over all variables
Cons: low external validity
Overt –
Participants know/are aware that they are being observed
Pros: ethical
Cons: demand characteristics
Covert –
Participants don’t know/are not aware that they are being observed
Pros: no demand characteristics
Cons: unethical
Observational Design:
Participant –
Observer joins the group
Pros: build insight, rapport
Cons: researcher bias
Non-participant –
Observer is outside the group
Pros: objectivity
Cons: may lose details/insights
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