The experimental Method: Control of variables:

Aims – what you intend to find out in a research study Confounding variable – an extraneous variable whose presence affects the
Hypothesis – statement of what you think is going to happen depending on variables variables being studied
Ethical issues – concerns of right and wrong Validity – refers to whether an observed effect is a genuine one.
IV – directly manipulated in order to test its effect on the dependent variable External validity – degree to which a research finding can be generalised
DV – variable being measured or tested Internal validity – extent to which a measure is consistent within itself
Debriefing – informing participants about the intentions of the study Mundane realism – the research environment is realistic to the degree to
Extraneous variables – all variables, which are not the independent variable, but which experiences encountered in the research environment will occur in the
could affect the results of the experiment real world
Standardised procedures – procedures are kept the same
Experimental design:
Operationalise – ensuring variables are in a form that can be easily tested
Counterbalancing – to overcome order effects when using a repeated measures design.
Hypothesis and other things: It ensures each condition is tested first or second in equal amounts
Confederate – an actor in the experiment instructed how to behave Experimental design – a set of procedures used to control the influence of factors
Pilot study – trial run of a study to make any improvements Independent groups design – different groups with different participants representing
Directional hypothesis – direction of the predicted difference between two different levels of the IV. Allocation done by random techniques
conditions or two groups Matched pairs design – pairs of participants are matched in terms of key variables. Each
Non – directional hypothesis – predicts the difference between the two undergo different conditions from each other
conditions without know direction Order effect – in a repeated measures design an extraneous variable arising from the
order in which conditions are presented
Lab, field, natural and quasi experiments: Random allocation – allocating participants to experimental groups or conditions using
Laboratory experiment – conducted in a highly controlled environment, random techniques
allowing control over extraneous variables at the expense of ecological Repeated measures design – each participant takes part in every condition
validity
Field experiment – conducted in a real life setting, which reduces the Problems with experiments:
amount of control over extraneous variables, however ecological validity Demand characteristics – changes in the participants behaviour to
is improved comply with the hypothesis of the researcher
Natural experiment – independent variable that already exists is tested in Investigator effect – investigators behaviour effecting the way
its natural environment, reducing the control of extraneous variables participants act in the experiment
Quasi experiment – similar to natural experiment.
Sampling:
Bias – a systematic distortion
Generalisation – applying the findings of a particular study to the population
Population – the group represented by a sample
Random sample – a sampling technique that involves randomly generating
participants from the population by any randomisation technique
Sampling – method use to select participants
Stratified sample – technique that involves sub-groups within the population
investigated and picking participants to create a representative sample
Systematic sample – finding a method to pick participants evenly distributed through
the population
observational techniques:
Controlled observation – a form of investigation in which behaviour is
observed but under conditions where certain variables have been
organised by the researcher
Covert observation – observing people without their knowledge
Overt observation – participants are aware they are being observed
Inter observer reliability - agreement between two or more observers
involved in observations of behaviour
Naturalistic observation – carried out in every day setting, investigator
doesn’t interfere
Non participant observation – observer is separate from the people being
observed
Observer bias – observers expectations affect what they see or hear
reducing validity.
Participant observation – observations made by someone who is also
participating in the activity being observed, which may affect their
objectivity
Ethical issues:
Deception – participant not told true aims of the study so can not give true
consent
Informed consent – participants being told what the experiment contains and
making an informed decision on that
Protection from harm – participants should not experience negative physical
or psychological effects
Right to withdraw – participants can stop participating in a study if they are
uncomfortable in any way
Self – report techniques:
Interview – a research method and technique that involves a face to face, real time
interaction with another individual
Interviewer bias – effect of an interviewers expectations
Questionnaire – data collected through written questions
Social desirability bias – answering questions in a way that makes yourself look better
in front of others
Structured interview – questions decided in advance
Unstructured interview – subsequent questions
Closed questions – predetermined range of answers (quantitative data)
Open questions – provide own answers (qualitative data)
Qualitative data – non numerical data
Quantitative data – data in numbers