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PSYCHOLOGY REVISION (RESEARCH METHODS (Planning Research) (Variables…
PSYCHOLOGY REVISION
RESEARCH METHODS (Planning Research)
Hypothesis
A statement predicting the outcome of research.
Alternate Hypothesis -
A statement which predicts a difference or correlation.
Null Hypothesis -
A statement which predicts no difference or correlation.
Variables
Anything that is open to change.
Independent Variable (IV) -
Something that the researcher changes or
manipulates
(the variable being investigated to see its effect on the dependent variable)
. The IV is changed in each of the experimental conditions
(E.G. having a different temperature rooms)
.
Dependent variable (DV) -
The variable that is
measured
it can be measured in many different ways
(E.G. rating scales, scores, answers to questions)
. The results or values should therefore
depend
, on the differences in the experimental condition.
Standardisation -
This is the vital task of ensuring all extraneous variables are the same across each test condition so that the difference in the DV is caused by the IV not anything else.
Extraneous Variables (EV) -
A variable
(not the IV)
that could affect the DV if it is not controlled
(E.G. noise, presence of other people, weather etc.)
Co-Variable -
Sometimes that changes in relation to another variable
(that can also change freely)
. Co-Variable are measured in natural settings and are not controlled *(E.G. you might measure differences in self-esteem and in test results for school children expecting to see a correlation between the two.
Experimental Designs
Repeated Measures -
When the same participant takes part in each condition.
Advantages
-
Eliminates individual differences by comparing the same participants in each condition.
-
Quicker and cheaper due to needing less participants.
Disadvantages
- Order Effect
This is when the results are less accurate due to the fact that participants repeatedly do similar tasks this might lead to a
tiredness or boredom effect
where they do worse in the test due to tiredness or boredom. Also, participants could get better at the task so making later measures artificially high - this is the
practice effect
.
- Demand Characteristics
Participants might work out what the IV is and change their behaviour in later conditions.
Independent Groups -
Where participants are different in each condition.
Advantages
-
No order effects.
-
Same task can be used in BOTH conditions as participants will not have seen it before.
Disadvantages
- Individual Differences
Between each group could explain the results rather than the changed IV.
- Takes More Time and Money
Due to larger number of participants required.
Populations and Sampling
Target Population -
This is the group of people you are interested in studying.
Sample -
A group of people selected from the target population to participate in a study.
Representative -
An accurate reflection of a large group. Psychologists want their samples to be representative of the target population so they can generalise their findings to the wider group.
Generalisability -
The ability to draw conclusions that apply to a larger group outside those that took part in the study.
Sampling Methods -
This is the way in which a sample is selected.
Ethical Guidelines
CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY
SOCIAL INLUENCE
RESEARCH METHODS (Doing Research)