EXPERIMENT
What is a lab experiment?
An experiment conducted in a controlled, artificial environment with high control over variables.
What are the two main types of surveys based on the kind of data they collect?
Quantitative surveys (with numbered, scaled responses) and qualitative surveys (with open-ended responses).
What is correlation?
A statistical relationship between two variables.
What does “V” stand for in GRAVE?
It asks whether the study measured what it intended to measure (internal validity), and whether the results can be applied outside the study (external validity).
What is a confounding variable?
A confounding variable is an outside factor that affects the dependent variable (DV) and may distort the results of the study because it's not controlled by the researcher.
Example: If you're studying how sleep affects memory, but some participants drink coffee before the test, caffeine becomes a confounding variable.
What is one key feature of a field experiment that differentiates it from a lab experiment?
It is conducted in a natural setting with less control over confounding variables.
What type of data do surveys collect?
Surveys typically collect self-reported data, which can be quantitative (numerical) or qualitative (descriptive) depending on the question format.
correloation does not necessarily mean...?
causation
What does generalisability mean?
It refers to how well the findings of a study apply to people outside the sample used – for example, to different cultures, genders, or age groups.
What is meant by IV and DV?
IV (Independent Variable): The variable that the researcher changes or manipulates.
DV (Dependent Variable): The variable that is measured – it's affected by changes in the IV.
Example: In a study on how music affects concentration:
IV = Presence or type of music
DV = Level of concentration (measured by test scores)
what do quantitative research methods emphasise on
Quantitative research methods emphasise objective measurements and the statistical analysis of data.
One strength of quantitative surveys?
They allow for the collection of large amounts of data quickly and can be statistically analyzed to identify trends and patterns.
Why are correlational studies useful when studying variables like age or gender?
Because these variables cannot be ethically or practically manipulated in experiments, so correlation allows researchers to study natural relationships between them.
What does reliability ask us to consider?
Whether the study would produce consistent results if repeated under the same conditions.
What’s the difference between an independent variable and a naturally occurring variable?
An independent variable is manipulated by the researcher; a naturally occurring variable happens without manipulation (e.g. gender, age).
what type of experiment cannot show a cause-and-effect relationship between the IV and DV
Quasi-experiment cannot show a cause-and-effect relationship between the IV and DV, just a correlation
One weakness of surveys?
Surveys may lack ecological validity and are prone to social desirability bias, where participants may respond in a way they think is socially acceptable rather than truthful.
One strength of correlational studies?
They allow researchers to study variables that cannot be manipulated, like gender.
What is one ethical concern in research?
Informed consent – participants must be fully aware of the nature of the study and agree to take part voluntarily.
Why is random allocation of participants important in experiments?
It helps reduce participant bias and ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any condition, increasing internal validity.
aim of loftus and palmer
The aim of this lab experiment was to investigate how leading questions can influence eyewitness memory.
How can surveys lead to biased results?
Surveys can lead to bias through leading questions, sampling bias, or response bias (e.g. participants giving answers they believe are expected). Cultural and language misunderstandings can also introduce bi
What is one limitation of correlational studies?
They cannot show cause and effect relationships. A correlation can often be explained in several different ways, and the effect of other variables outside the two being explored cannot be studied.
Explain applicability using a real-world example.
Applicability refers to how research findings can be used in real life.
Example: A study on the effects of sleep deprivation on memory can be applied to help students or shift workers improve performance by adjusting sleep habits.
Explain applicability using a real-world example.
If a study on teen stress is applicable, its findings can help schools design support programs.