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What is the format for writing a directional hypothesis?
IV / DV / IV
Define a lab experiment:
A lab experiment is done in an artificial environment where the researcher has control over the IV and there is potential to find the cause of events.
What is a confounding variable?
An extraneous variable that has not been controlled, so could invalidate the results.
What is a pilot study?
A small scale trial run carried out before the main study to find any possible problems with the procedures of the experiment.
What are demand characteristics?
Clues/cues in an investigation that convey the true aim of the experiment (researcher's hypothesis), influencing the participant's behaviour.
What does a null hypothesis predict?
That there will be no difference between the two conditions.
Name the 3 experimental research designs.
1. Repeated groups
2. Independent groups
3. Matched pairs
What is event sampling?
When you record how many times a certain behaviour occurs is a set time period.
How would you deal with the ethical issue of fully informed consent?
Participants must be informed about the true aims of the study and complete a consent form before the study begins.
What is operationalisation?
Give an Example.
When variables are written in a form that is directly measurable.
E.g. number of words correctly recalled in 5 mins.
Describe an Overt and Covert observation.
Overt- the person being observed is aware of the observation.
Covert= the person being observed is unaware of the observation before or during the study.
Name 3 types of questions you should avoid asking in a questionnaire.
Any of the following: leading questions, ambiguity, emotive questions, jargon/technical terms, double-barrelled questions, negatives, impossible questions.
3 measurements of central tendency:
1. Mode
2. Mean
3. Median
What is an observer checklist?
when different observers are carrying out an observation, the researcher must make sure they have a clear description of what behaviours they are looking for and how to score them.
what is systematic sampling?
a sample is obtained by selecting every nth person, with this numerical interval being applied consistently.
Name all types of observations.
1. Naturalistic/Controlled
2. Overt/Covert
3. Participant/Non-participant.
Write a non-directional hypothesis for an experiment investigating whether participants who drink tea or drink coffee before an exam have different results.
Mark accordingly.
Give a weakness of repeated groups design, using SEEL format.
-Order effects= Ps may experience boredom or practice which can effect the results. Therefore, counterbalancing must occur to overcome the issue
Give a strength and a weakness of Naturalistic observations with explanation.
Strength- high realism= behaviour is observed in a natural setting with no attempt to change it (high ecological validity).
Weakness- lack of control= no control over the variables and therefore replication to check for validity and reliability is difficult.
Describe the blind procedures:
single-blind procedure= participants know the general aim of the study but they are unaware of which condition they are in to reduce demand characteristics.
double-blind procedure= research assistants are used to direct the experiment as neither the researcher nor the participant know which condition the participants are in.
Name all 5 methods of sampling.
1. Random sampling
2. Stratified sampling.
3. Opportunity sampling.
4. Volunteer sampling
5. Systematic sampling.
Give an evaluation point of a field experiment, using SEEL format.
any of the following: more natural environment, lower risk of demand characteristics, difficult to control EV's, difficult to replicate or ethical issues.
Name all ethical issues:
1. Fully informed consent
2. Deception
3. Confidentiality
4. Right to withdraw
5. Psychological and physical harm.
Give an evaluation point of correlational studies, using SEEL format.
any of the following: measuring the strength of relationships, ethical, no cause and effect, spurious relationships, non-linear relationships.
Name a positive evaluation point of questionnaire surveys, using the SEEL format.
any of the following: speed and cost or range of data.