Psychology > Research Method 1 > Flashcards

Research Method 1 Flashcards

(53 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

In an experiment, the researcher measures the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

A

True

This statement describes the fundamental purpose of conducting an experiment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an independent variable (I.V.)?

A

The different conditions (groups) within the study

It is easy to identify because it represents the variable that is manipulated.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is a dependent variable (D.V.)?

A

The variable which is affected by the I.V.

It is the data collected from the participants in the study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

A

To serve as a benchmark for comparison

A control group closely resembles the experimental group but is not subjected to the factor under study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

True or false: A control group is used to establish if the independent variable is causing the change in behavior.

A

True

This helps to determine whether observed effects are due to the I.V. or other factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Using a control group increases internal validity.

A

True

Internal validity refers to the extent to which the results of an experiment can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

In the hypothesis ‘There will be a difference in scores on the digit span test between participants who have drunk 6 units of alcohol and those who have not drunk any alcohol’, the independent variable (I.V.) is:

A

Alcohol consumption

This variable differentiates the two groups being studied.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

In the same hypothesis, the dependent variable (D.V.) is:

A

Scores on the digit span test

This is the outcome being measured in response to the independent variable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does DV stand for in research?

A

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable is what is being measured in the research.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does IV stand for in research?

A

Independent Variable

The independent variable is what is being manipulated or controlled in the research.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the operationalisation of variables?

A

The precise definition of what is being measured (and, if applicable, controlled) in the research.

This ensures clarity and consistency in research.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Give an example of an operationalised variable for temperature.

A

Cold room - temperature e.g. below 8 degrees

This specifies the exact condition being measured.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Give an example of an operationalised variable for intelligence.

A

Intelligence - score on an IQ test e.g. 120 and above

This quantifies the variable for measurement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is an extraneous variable?

A

Any variable other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable

Extraneous variables can confound the results if not controlled.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why do researchers try to control extraneous variables?

A

To increase the internal validity of the results

However, it is not always possible to control all extraneous variables.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What happens if an extraneous variable is not controlled?

A

It confounds the results

This means the extraneous variable has had an effect on the dependent variable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Give an example of a situational variable.

A
  • Lighting in the room
  • Temperature in the room

Situational variables can affect participants’ behavior in the study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How can situational variables be controlled?

A

By having carefully standardised experimental procedures and test conditions

This helps to minimize the impact of situational variables.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are participant variables?

A

Characteristics of individual participants (e.g., age, sex, intelligence, motivation)

These variables might influence the outcome of a study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How can participant variables be partially controlled?

A

Through the design of the study (using matched pairs/repeated measures or random allocation)

This helps to balance participant characteristics across conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are demand characteristics?

A

Cues in the environment that participants can use to work out the aim and hypothesis of the study

Demand characteristics can lead to social desirability effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How can demand characteristics be controlled?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Using different participants in each condition
  • Counterbalancing
  • Providing limited information about the aim and procedure

These methods help maintain the integrity of the study’s results.

23
Q

True or false: Demand characteristics can lead to low internal validity.

Study These Flashcards
A

TRUE

This occurs when participants behave in a way they think the researcher wants, affecting the measurement of natural behavior.

24
Q

What are Investigator Effects?

Study These Flashcards
A

Any (unintentional) influence of the researcher’s behaviour/characteristics on participants/data/outcome

Characteristics of the researcher (personality, appearance, conduct, gender, age etc.) that may influence results.

25
How can **Investigator Effects** influence research outcomes?
* Researcher knowledge of the aim may influence outcomes * Expectations may lead to biased behaviour * Results may not reflect participants' NATURAL BEHAVIOUR ## Footnote This can lead to low internal validity.
26
List methods to control **Investigator Effects**.
* Using more than one researcher * Checking inter-rater reliability * Using the double/single blind method * Randomisation ## Footnote These methods help improve validity.
27
In an interview, how can **Investigator Effects** be minimized?
* Provide a standardised script * Train interviewers to use a neutral tone * Ensure all interviewers are of the same gender * Match interviewers' gender with students' gender ## Footnote These practices help avoid bias in responses.
28
What are the **types of experiments** mentioned?
* Laboratory * Field * Natural * Quasi ## Footnote These types categorize experiments based on their environment and control over variables.
29
What is a key characteristic of **laboratory experiments**?
Carried out in a controlled environment ## Footnote This allows researchers to exert a high level of control over the independent variable.
30
List two **strengths of laboratory experiments**.
* Control over extraneous variables * Replicability ## Footnote Control increases internal validity, while replicability enhances external reliability.
31
What does control over extraneous variables in laboratory experiments allow researchers to establish?
Cause and effect ## Footnote This increases the internal validity of the study.
32
What is a limitation of laboratory experiments related to participant behavior?
Demand characteristics ## Footnote Participants may guess the aim of the study and change their behavior, decreasing internal validity.
33
What does low ecological validity in laboratory experiments imply?
Behavior may not reflect real-life situations ## Footnote The lab setting is not typical, leading to low mundane realism.
34
What is a defining feature of **field experiments**?
Conducted in a real-world setting ## Footnote The independent variable is manipulated while participants are in a natural environment.
35
List two **strengths of field experiments**.
* High ecological validity * Reduction of demand characteristics ## Footnote Real-world settings enhance external validity, and participants are often unaware they are in a study.
36
Why does high ecological validity in field experiments matter?
Participants' behavior is likely reflective of real life ## Footnote This increases the external (ecological) validity of the study.
37
What is a limitation of field experiments?
Less control over extraneous variables ## Footnote This can affect the ability to establish clear cause and effect relationships.
38
What is a limitation of having **low control over extraneous variables** in real-life situations?
Reduces internal validity of the study ## Footnote It makes it difficult to establish cause and effect.
39
Why is it **difficult to replicate** field experiments?
Low control over extraneous variables ## Footnote This limitation affects the external reliability of the results.
40
True or false: Participants in field experiments are often aware they are part of a study.
FALSE ## Footnote This lack of awareness means informed consent is often not obtained.
41
What is a **natural experiment**?
A type of experiment where the IV and DV occur naturally and the researcher measures the DV ## Footnote This design allows for observation of behavior in natural settings.
42
What is a strength of **natural experiments** related to ecological validity?
High ecological validity ## Footnote The IV and DV occur naturally, making behavior completely natural.
43
How do natural experiments reduce **demand characteristics**?
Participants are usually unaware they are taking part in a study ## Footnote This increases internal validity by measuring natural behavior.
44
What ethical advantage do **natural experiments** provide for socially sensitive research?
They allow study of variables that would be unethical to manipulate in a lab setting ## Footnote This can provide insights into sensitive topics.
45
What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding control over extraneous variables?
Low control over extraneous variables ## Footnote This reduces internal validity as the researcher cannot confirm the IV is causing the DV.
46
Why is it **difficult to replicate** natural experiments?
Low control over extraneous variables ## Footnote This limitation complicates testing the external reliability of the results.
47
What defines a **quasi-experiment**?
The IV is pre-existing/naturally occurring, and the researcher manipulates the task ## Footnote Participants are not randomly allocated to conditions.
48
In a quasi-experiment, what is the aim regarding the naturally occurring IV?
To establish if it causes differences in performance on the task (the DV) ## Footnote This design allows for controlled conditions while studying pre-existing characteristics.
49
What is a key **strength** of **quasi experiments** regarding control over variables?
Control over extraneous variables and establishment of cause and effect ## Footnote Quasi experiments take place in controlled conditions, allowing researchers to manipulate tasks and confidently establish cause and effect, increasing internal validity.
50
Why is **replicability** considered a strength of quasi experiments?
Conducted in highly controlled conditions with standardized procedures ## Footnote This allows the exact same procedure to be repeated by other researchers, enhancing external reliability if the same results are obtained.
51
What is a potential **limitation** of quasi experiments regarding ecological validity?
Potentially reduced ecological validity depending on the task ## Footnote If the task is very artificial, it may have low mundane realism, reducing external (ecological) validity.
52
How does quasi experiments have **lower control** over extraneous variables compared to lab experiments?
Researcher does not manipulate the IV ## Footnote This uncertainty about whether the IV is causing the DV or if other uncontrolled variables are contributing reduces internal validity.
53
Fill in the blank: A strength of a lab experiment is that it has high control over **________**.
extraneous variables ## Footnote This means that a lab experiment may have higher internal validity than a natural/field experiment.
Psychology
flashcards
Decks in class (44)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions