Steps of the Scientific Method
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Identifying a research question or problem.
The factor the researcher changes in an experiment.
Independent variable.
A statement that predicts the relationship between variables.
Hypothesis.
What does reliability mean in an experiment?
Consistency of results when repeated.
What does informed consent mean?
Participants agree to take part knowing what the study involves.
What comes after forming a hypothesis?
Designing and conducting an experiment.
The factor that is measured in an experiment.
Dependent variable.
What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?
Directional predicts the specific effect; non-directional only predicts a difference/relationship.
What does validity mean in an experiment?
Effectiveness: Does it measure what it intends to measure?
What is the right to withdraw?
Participants can leave the study at any time.
What step involves looking at data to find trends and meaning?
Analysing results.
The factors that are kept the same to ensure a fair test.
Controlled variables.
Construct a hypothesis for: "Does music improve memory recall?"
E.g. Students who study with music will recall more words than students who study in silence.
A psychology test gives the same result every time but doesn’t measure what it claims. What does it lack?
Validity.
Why is confidentiality important in psychological research?
To protect participants’ privacy and data.
What is the final step of the scientific method?
Drawing conclusions and reporting findings.
Give an example of an independent and dependent variable in a psychology study about sleep.
E.g. IV = hours of sleep; DV = memory test performance.
What is a null hypothesis?
A prediction that there will be no significant difference or relationship.
What is ecological validity?
How well results apply to real-world settings.
Give one way psychologists reduce risk of harm in studies.
E.g. Debriefing, counselling access, safe study design...
Why is replication important in the scientific method?
To test reliability and confirm results are consistent.
Why are confounding variables a problem?
They can interfere with results and reduce validity.
Why is a hypothesis important in research?
It guides the study and makes the research testable.
Why might a lab experiment have high reliability but low validity?
Because it controls conditions (consistent results) but may not reflect real life.
What is deception in psychology, and when is it allowed?
Withholding information; only allowed if necessary, minimal, and followed by debriefing.