Research Methods

Research Methods

1. Independent Variable (IV) - thing that has changed

2. Dependent Variable (DV) - thing that is measured

3. Experimental Hypothesis - IV will have an effect on the DV

4. Null Hypothesis - IV has no effect on the DV

5. Directional hypothesis - points out the direction of the results

6. Non directional Hypothesis - doesn't point out the direction of the results

7. Laboratory Experiment

   • Advantages -Control over variables, -Can be replicated, -High Internal Validity
   • Disadvantages - Low external validity, -Demand Charactistics

8. Field Experiment

   • Advantages -High external validity, -Fewer demand characteristcs
   • Disadvantages -Hard to control EV's, -Ethical issues (p's not aware they are being studied

9. Natural Experiment

   • Advantages -High External validity -Reduction in Demand characteristics
   • Disadvantages -Hard to control -Hard to replicate

10. Design

    • Independent groups -Different P's in each condition (2 groups)
    • Repeated measures -Same P's do both conditions
    • Matched Pairs -Different P's that are similar in each each condition (2 groups)

11. Sampling

    • Random -Everyone has an equal chance of being selected
    • Opportunity -Easily available P's (family, friends)
    • Volunteer -P's choose to take part, from advertisment

12. Questionnaire

    • Closed -Box ticking/circling answers. Gives straight forward info
    • Open -Allows respondent to give full, detailed answers

13. Interview

    • Structured -All P's answer the same questions
    • Unstructured -No prepared questions, just a topic to explore.

14. Qualitative Data

    • Non-numerical descriptive data. Analyse large amounts of descriptive data, find underlying themes.