Research Methods in Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

1. Research methods

   • sample and population
   • research hypothesis
   • experimental research
     • independent variables: a variable that is manipulated
     • dependent variables: the variable that is measured
     • operationalising IV and DV: involves defining them in terms of the specific procedures or actions used to measure them
     • extraneous variables: other variables that effect the DV
     • confounding variables: a variable other than the IV that has an unwanted effect on the DV

2. Steps in psychological research

   • step 1: identify the research topic
     • step 2: formulate the research hypothesis
       • step 3: design the research
         • step 4: collect the data
           • step 5: analyse the data
             • step 6: interpret and evaluate the results
               • step 7: report the research and findings

3. Types of data

   • primary and secondary data
     • primary data: data that is collected directly by the researcher
     • secondary data: data that has been collected by someone other than the original user
   • qualitative and quantitative data
     • qualitative: information about the 'qualities' or characteristics of what is being studied
     • quantitative: numerical information on the 'quantity' or amount of what is being studied