Research Methods
Bandura et al. (1961) observed children’s aggressive behaviour after watching adult models. What method was used?
Controlled observation (in a lab setting)
The variable is deliberately changed by the researcher.
Independent variable (IV)
A weakness of Saavedra & Silverman’s (2002) case study of button phobia.
Low generalisability, because it was based on one child’s unique experience.
This Russian physiologist, Ivan Pavlov, used dogs, food, and a bell to study learning theory.
Classical conditioning
North et al. (2003) showed background music influenced customer spending. This supports which type of explanation
Situational explanation
A researcher finds that as the number of hours students revise increases, their exam scores also go up. This is an example of which type of research method?
Correlation
Andrade (2009) used a lab experiment with high control. Which type of validity does this support?
Internal validity
A strength of using EEG in Dement & Kleitman’s (1957) study of sleep and dreams.
Objective measurement of brain activity can increase validity.
New knowledge can be learnt through rewards and punishments.
Operant conditioning
Andrade (2009) asked participants to doodle while listening to a boring tape. Why might her study be ethically easier to conduct than Bandura’s?
Because it did not use children, avoiding issues of consent and protection of minors.
Pozzulo et al. (2015) investigated children’s eyewitness identification accuracy using different line-up types. What research method was this?
Experiment
A researcher advertises in a mall to recruit participants for a consumer psychology study. Which sampling method is this?
Volunteer sampling
Andrade (2009) had participants doodle while listening to a boring tape, then tested recall. A strength of this study.
High control of extraneous variables can make results more reliable. (laboratory experiment)
Dement & Kleitman (1957) found that dreams most often occurred during this stage of sleep.
REM sleep
Hölzel et al. (2011) found that mindfulness training increased grey matter in the hippocampus. Which side of the nature–nurture debate does this support?
Nurture (experience can change the brain)
A psychologist studies stress levels in medical students by measuring cortisol before they begin medical school, during their studies, and again after graduation. What type of study design is this?
Longitudinal study
In Bandura’s Bobo doll study, multiple observers recorded children’s behaviour. Which type of reliability does this improve?
Inter-rater reliability
A weakness of using the FFMQ compared to brain scans like MRI.
It may be influenced by self-report bias (e.g., social desirability), reducing validity.
Baron-Cohen’s “Eyes Test” was designed to measure what ability?
Theory of mind
Storefronts, landscaping, and layouts may appeal differently depending on this factor.
Cultural differences
Mower et al. (2012) used this research method to measure participants’ perceptions of store exteriors.
Questionnaire
Dement & Kleitman (1957) woke participants up during sleep cycles. Which ethical principle could this have affected, and how?
Minimising harm, because sleep deprivation can cause distress or discomfort.
Vrechopoulos et al. (2004) used virtual store layouts to test shopping behaviour. Which validity is threatened, and why?
Ecological validity, because navigating a virtual store may not reflect real shopping behaviour.
In studies of retail atmospherics, customers’ responses can be measured using the PAD model. What does PAD stand for?
Pleasure–Arousal–Dominance.
Some argue consumer behaviour studies show people are influenced in predictable ways (e.g., by music or odour). Which issue and debate does this raise in psychology?
Determinism vs. free will