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Research Method 3 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a case study?

A

An in-depth study of one person or a group of people over time, usually longitudinal

Case studies are carried out in the real world and are idiographic, focusing on individual experiences.

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2
Q

Name the techniques used in a case study.

A
  • IQ testing
  • Personality testing
  • Observations
  • Interviews
  • Experiments
  • Medical case notes

These techniques help gather comprehensive data about the individual or group being studied.

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3
Q

How are the findings of a case study typically presented?

A

Organised into themes to represent thoughts, emotions, experiences, and abilities, often in a qualitative way

Quantitative data, such as psychological test scores, may also be included.

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4
Q

What is a key ethical consideration when reporting a case study?

A

Confidentiality must be maintained

Individuals should not be identifiable; this can be achieved by using different names or initials.

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5
Q

What is an advantage of case studies regarding data?

A

Rich data due to longitudinal study

A large amount of data is gathered over a long period, providing depth and understanding.

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6
Q

What does high ecological validity mean in the context of case studies?

A

Participants are often studied in their own environment

This enhances the external validity of the findings.

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7
Q

Case studies can investigate situations that would be unethical to test in an experiment. True or False?

A

TRUE

This allows insights into areas of psychology that cannot be explored otherwise.

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8
Q

What is a limitation of case studies regarding generalization?

A

Findings cannot be easily generalized to other individuals

Each individual/group is unique, making it difficult to apply results broadly.

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9
Q

Information gathered in case studies is often based on what type of data?

A

Self-report data

Participants may not accurately recall information or may provide socially desirable answers.

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10
Q

Why are case studies difficult to replicate?

A

They are very unique

This makes it impossible to test the external reliability of the findings.

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11
Q

What is a potential issue with researcher bias in case studies?

A

Loss of objectivity due to familiarity with the individual

This can reduce the internal validity of the study.

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12
Q

What is the difference between population and sample?

A
  • Population: A group of people who are the focus of the researcher’s interests
  • Sample: A group of people who take part in a research investigation, drawn from the population

The sample is presumed to be representative of the population.

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13
Q

Define sampling.

A

The method used to select people from the population

Sampling techniques determine how participants are chosen for a study.

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14
Q

What are the sampling methods mentioned?

A
  • Random
  • Systematic
  • Stratified
  • Opportunity
  • Volunteer

Each method has different implications for bias and generalization.

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15
Q

What does bias mean in the context of sampling?

A

When certain groups are over or under represented within the sample selected

This limits the extent to which generalisations can be made to the target population.

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16
Q

Define generalisation.

A

The extent to which findings and conclusions from a particular investigation can be broadly applied to the population

This is possible if the sample is representative of the target population.

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17
Q

What is a target population?

A

The population from which a sample is drawn and to which researchers aim to generalize their findings

Researchers assume that results from the sample will apply to the target population.

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18
Q

What are two reasons why it may not be appropriate to generalize findings from a sample to the target population?

A
  • Sample size: A small number of participants may not represent the target population
  • Sampling method: Some methods may not reflect the characteristics of the whole target population

These factors can affect the validity of generalizations made from the sample.

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19
Q

Define opportunity sampling.

A

An opportunity sample is taken using any convenient members of the target population who are willing and available to take part in a study.

It is essential to state who the target population is and where they would be approached.

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20
Q

What is a strength of opportunity sampling?

A
  • More time efficient compared to other methods
  • Uses convenient and accessible members of the target population

This can save the researcher time compared to methods like stratified sampling.

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21
Q

What is a limitation of opportunity sampling?

A
  • Researcher bias could occur
  • Sample may not be representative of the target population

These limitations can decrease the internal and external validity of the study.

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22
Q

Define volunteer sampling.

A

The researcher uses members of the target population who have put themselves forward to take part in the study.

It is essential to state what the advert would say and where it would be placed.

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23
Q

What is a strength of volunteer sampling?

A
  • More time efficient compared to other methods
  • Requires less effort to gather the sample

This can save the researcher time in comparison to gathering a random or stratified sample.

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24
Q

What is a limitation of volunteer sampling?

A
  • Sample may not be representative of the target population
  • Participants may be similar to one another

This limitation decreases the external validity of the study and may hinder generalization of results.

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25
What is **random sampling**?
Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample ## Footnote The researcher obtains the names of everyone in the target population and uses techniques like manual or computer selection.
26
Describe the **manual selection** process in random sampling.
* Put each member's name on a slip of paper * Draw slips from a container * Shake the container between draws and draw 'blind' ## Footnote This method ensures that each slip has an equal chance of being selected.
27
Describe the **computer selection** process in random sampling.
* Assign numbers to each member * Use a random number generator to select participants ## Footnote The first numbers generated identify the participants for the sample.
28
What is a strength of **random sampling** related to researcher bias?
No researcher bias ## Footnote All members have an equal chance of selection, increasing internal validity.
29
What is a strength of **random sampling** regarding sample representation?
Sample is likely to be representative of the target population ## Footnote Especially with larger sample sizes, increasing external validity.
30
What is a limitation of **random sampling** regarding sample representation?
Sample may not be representative of the target population ## Footnote By chance, similar characteristics may be selected, decreasing external validity.
31
What is a limitation of **random sampling** related to time consumption?
Time consuming, especially for large populations ## Footnote Identifying and inputting names can be labor-intensive, leading researchers to often use non-random methods.
32
What is a **limitation** of random sampling?
Time consuming and may only represent willing participants ## Footnote Some chosen participants may not consent, requiring further sampling.
33
What is **systematic sampling**?
Selecting every nth member from a sampling frame ## Footnote The researcher obtains names of everyone in the target population and selects every nth person.
34
What is a **strength** of systematic sampling?
* No researcher bias * Likely to be representative of the target population ## Footnote Increases internal and external validity of the study.
35
What is a **limitation** of systematic sampling?
* Sample may not be representative * Time consuming * May not select willing participants ## Footnote Selecting every nth member may lead to similar characteristics and reduce external validity.
36
True or false: Systematic sampling guarantees a representative sample of the target population.
FALSE ## Footnote There is no guarantee that the sample will be representative, especially with small sample sizes.
37
What does **n** represent in systematic sampling?
A number chosen by the researcher ## Footnote It determines the interval at which participants are selected.
38
What is **stratified sampling**?
A sampling method where the sample mirrors the target population by maintaining the proportions of each sub-group ## Footnote The sample is divided into different sub-groups (strata) based on characteristics of the target population.
39
List the **steps** to gather a **stratified sample**.
* Identify different sub-groups in the target population * Calculate the number of each sub-group required for the sample * Write the name of every member of the target population on paper * Draw out the required number of names for each sub-group ## Footnote This process ensures that the sample reflects the proportions of the target population.
40
True or false: **Systematic sampling** allows for researcher bias.
FALSE ## Footnote The random selection of each sub-group prevents the researcher from influencing participant selection.
41
What is a **strength** of systematic sampling?
* No researcher bias * Highly likely to be representative of the target population ## Footnote These strengths increase the internal and external validity of the study.
42
What is a **limitation** of systematic sampling?
Time consuming, especially for large and diverse target populations ## Footnote Identifying all different sub-groups can take a lot of time and resources.
43
What is **random allocation** in experimental design?
Participants are allocated to conditions using a random method to control for participant variables ## Footnote Random allocation attempts to evenly distribute participant characteristics across the conditions of the experiment.
44
What is the purpose of **counterbalancing** in a repeated measures design?
To control for the effects of order by having half the participants experience conditions in one order and the other half in the opposite order ## Footnote Example: Participant 1 completes condition A then B; Participant 2 completes condition B then A.
45
Define **extraneous variables**.
Unwanted factors that can potentially affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables ## Footnote These variables can spoil or distort the results of an experiment.
46
What is the role of **control groups** in experiments?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the treatment group ## Footnote Control groups help researchers determine the effect of the independent variable.
47
Fill in the blank: **Random allocation** attempts to evenly distribute participant characteristics across the conditions of the experiment using _______.
random techniques ## Footnote This method helps to minimize bias in the allocation of participants.
48
What is the first step in the example of random allocation provided?
Allocate each of the participants a number from 1 to 20 ## Footnote This is part of the process to randomly assign participants to conditions.
49
True or false: **Counterbalancing** is used to control for participant variables.
FALSE ## Footnote Counterbalancing is specifically used to control for order effects in repeated measures designs.
50
What is the purpose of **counterbalancing** in experiments?
* Controls the impact of order effects * Distributes order effects evenly across conditions * Ensures each condition of the IV occurs as the first and second task equally * Does not eliminate order effects ## Footnote Counterbalancing is important for managing potential biases in experimental design.
51
What methods can be used for **randomisation** in experimental design?
* Tossing a coin * Random number generators ## Footnote These methods help control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions.
52
In a memory experiment, how should the **order of words** be determined?
Randomly generated ## Footnote This ensures that the position of each word is not influenced by the researcher.
53
What is an example of **randomly allocating participants** to conditions?
* Flip a coin for each participant * Heads assigned to condition A, tails to condition B ## Footnote This method helps in determining the order of conditions for participants.
54
What is the benefit of **randomisation** in experiments?
Eliminates investigator effects/bias ## Footnote The researcher has no control over the materials or order of experimental conditions.
55
What is the role of a **control group** in experimental research?
Acts as a baseline against which the effect of the independent variable (IV) may be measured ## Footnote The control group receives no treatment, allowing for comparison with the experimental group.
56
In the example of investigating the effect of an **energy drink** on talkativeness, what is the control group?
Participants drinking water ## Footnote This group serves as a baseline condition against which the experimental group (energy drink) can be measured.
57
True or false: The **control group** receives the treatment being tested.
FALSE ## Footnote The control group does not receive treatment, allowing for a comparison with the experimental group.
58
What is the purpose of **counterbalancing** in experiments?
* Controls the impact of order effects * Distributes order effects evenly across conditions * Ensures each condition of the IV occurs as the first and second task equally * Does not eliminate order effects ## Footnote Counterbalancing is important for managing potential biases in experimental design.
59
What methods can be used for **randomisation** in experimental design?
* Tossing a coin * Random number generators ## Footnote These methods help control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions.
60
In a memory experiment, how should the **order of words** be determined?
Randomly generated ## Footnote This ensures that the position of each word is not influenced by the researcher.
61
What is an example of **randomly allocating participants** to conditions?
* Flip a coin for each participant * Heads assigned to condition A, tails to condition B ## Footnote This method helps in determining the order of conditions for participants.
62
What is the benefit of **randomisation** in experiments?
Eliminates investigator effects/bias ## Footnote The researcher has no control over the materials or order of experimental conditions.
63
What is the role of a **control group** in experimental research?
Acts as a baseline against which the effect of the independent variable (IV) may be measured ## Footnote The control group receives no treatment, allowing for comparison with the experimental group.
64
In the example of investigating the effect of an **energy drink** on talkativeness, what is the control group?
Participants drinking water ## Footnote This group serves as a baseline condition against which the experimental group (energy drink) can be measured.
65
True or false: The **control group** receives the treatment being tested.
FALSE ## Footnote The control group does not receive treatment, allowing for a comparison with the experimental group.
66
What is **standardisation** in the context of an investigation?
The way in which procedures/materials/instructions are kept the same for all participants ## Footnote All participants should have the exact same experience within an experiment.
67
What should all participants be subjected to in a standardised experiment?
* The same environment * The same information * The same experience ## Footnote All procedures should be standardised to ensure consistency.
68
What is the purpose of **standardised instructions** in psychological research?
* Explain the procedures of the study * Include a check of understanding * Inform about debriefing * Remind about the right to withdraw * Allow questions from participants ## Footnote Standardised instructions must be the same for all participants.
69
True or false: Standardised instructions should vary between participants to ensure a tailored experience.
FALSE ## Footnote Standardised instructions must be exactly the same for all participants.
70
What should be included in a set of **standardised instructions**?
* Accurate detail of the procedure * Time allocated for the task ## Footnote Providing detailed instructions helps participants understand their tasks better.
71
How much time do participants have to complete the task in the example of standardised instructions?
15 minutes ## Footnote A countdown timer is used to show how much time is left.
72
What rights do participants have during the study according to the standardised instructions?
* Right to withdraw at any point * Right to retract any data collected ## Footnote Participants are informed about their rights to ensure ethical standards.
73
What will participants be referred to as during the study to maintain confidentiality?
Participant 1, 2, etc. ## Footnote This ensures that personal identities are protected.
74
What will participants receive at the end of the research?
A debriefing ## Footnote Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about their participation.
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