Summary
Summary AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes
AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
Seller
Follow
Content preview
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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller galbraithsophie. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £10.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
57413 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now