PSYA1 - Research Methods

Question	Answer
What is an aim?	An aim is the purpose of the study, it outlines what the researcher intends to discover/investigate.
What is a hypothesis?	A precise, testable statement about the expected outcome of a piece of research.
What are the 2 types of hypothesis'?	Directional hypothesis (one tailed) and Non directional hypothesis (two tailed)
What is a directional hypothesis?	A directional hypothesis is one where the researcher has a good idea of what the outcome will be and will predict a specific outcome (this factor will effect this factor in THIS SPECIFIC WAY)
What is a non-directional hypothesis?	A non-directional hypothesis is when the researcher is less sure of what the outcome will be so, therefore, makes a more general prediction of the outcome (this factor will affect this factor)
What is it called when the researcher predicts that the independent variable will have no effect at all on the dependent variable?	A null hypothesis
What is an independent variable?	The variable that is being changed/manipulated by the researcher.
What is a dependent variable?	The variable that is being measured by the researcher.
What is a pilot study?	A trial run of an experiment carried out by the researcher to identify any problems in the method/design.
What are the 3 main sampling methods?	Opportunity, Volunteer and Random.
What does generalisability mean?	The extent to which results from one sample of participants can be applied to the wider population.
What is opportunity sampling?	This is when the researcher selects anyone who is readily available and willing to participate.
What is an advantage of opportunity sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One advantage is that they are cost effective. This is because participants are readily available. This is an advantage as sample sizes are able to be bigger as the expenses per individual are reduced.
What is a weakness of oppurtunity sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One weakness of opportunity sampling is participants chosen are likely to be similar. This is because participants are generally recruited on the spot in the same place. This is a weakness because it means the samples are likely to be limited when it comes to generalising findings.
What is volunteer sampling?	Volunteer sampling is when participants put themselves forward to take part. They self-select.
What is one advantage of volunteer sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One advantage of volunteer sampling is that it can sometimes be the only way of locating a particularly rare group of participants (e.g. rare conditions) who would be difficult to locate using information available to the public. This is an advantage because it means specific groups can be investigated without breaking ethical guidelines.
What is one disadvantage of volunteer sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One disadvantage of volunteer sampling is that only atypical members of the target population are likely to respond. This is because those who are most co-operative and motivated are likely to respond. This is a disadvantage because the population validity and generalizability are reduced.
What is random sampling?	Random sampling is where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
What is one advantage of random sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One advantage of random sampling is that the chances of selecting a biased sample are dramatically reduced. This is because everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being selected. This is an advantage because it increases population validity and generalizability.
What is one disadvantage of random sampling?	Written in full AO2 format: One disadvantage of random sampling is it can be difficult to obtain a list of the entire target population to be randomly selected. This is because the target population is so large that it is likely not all those in it will be able/willing to participate should they be selected. This is a disadvantage as it reduces the population validity.
What is a laboratory experiment?	Experiments that take place in a special facility where there is very high control over variables.
What is a field experiment?	An experiment that takes place in a real-world setting familiar to the participant.
What is a natural experiment?	An experiment where the researcher does not directly manipulate the independent variable. Participants naturally belong to one condition, this is not manipulated only naturally occuring.

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PSYA1 - Research Methods

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	Created by Beckie Holmes about 9 years ago