Research Methods
The variable that is manipulated is the
IV
The variable that is measured is the
DV
The middle score in a set of scores
Median
The arithmetical average of a set of scores
Mean
The variable that must be held constant
Controlled variable
A type of research that allows cause-and-effect conclusions to be made
Controlled experiment
The group of people we aim to generalise research findings to
Population of interest
A form of research that involves examining past research for gaps in knowledge
Literature review
A sampling strategy where all members of the population have an equal chance of being selected
Random sampling
An experimental design where participants are allocated to either the control group or the experimental group
A statistic that describes the spread of data around the mean
Standard deviation
This statistic should NOT be used if the data contains extreme values
Median
An unwanted variable that has systematically affected the DV and means no conclusions can be drawn
Confounding variables
The group that is NOT exposed to the IV and provides a baseline for comparison
Control group
A procedure that minimises the effect of participant variables between two groups
Random allocation
These three things are required for informed consent
Freedom to choose to participate/voluntary participation, understanding of the aims of the experiment and the risks involved
Systematic errors affect the _______ of a measure
accuracy
The value that would be found if the quantity could be measured perfectly
True value
An ethical principle that requires researchers to report findings honestly, even if they are not favourable
Integrity
Randon errors affect the _______ of a measure
precision
The extent to which results can be achieved under the same experimental conditions
Repeatability
A form of research uses a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system
Simulation
The extent to which results can be achieved under changed conditions
Reproducibility
A form of research that can determine the strength of a relationship between two variables
Correlational study
refers to the extent to which psychological tools and investigations truly support their findings or conclusions
Validity