Explain an experimental method
The manipulation of an independent variable to test it’s effect on the dependent variable, can be field, lab or quasi.
Define the aim of an experiment
A clear statement of what the experiment intends to investigate
What is a directional hypothesis
A hypothesis that describes the direction of the relationship between the two variables
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states that there is a change between the two variables but not the direction of it
What is an independent variable
The variable that you change
What is a dependent variable
The variable you measure
what is operationalisation
making the variables measurable
what are extraneous variables
A variable that if not controlled can affect the results of the experiment
What are confounding variables
Variables that can affect the results of the experiment
What are demand characteristics?
Any clue within the experiment that could hint to the intent of the experiment, allowing participants to act in a specific way either to either please the experimenter or sabotage the experiment
What are investigator effects?
Conscious or unconscious biases from the investigator to manipulate the experiment to play out to his expectations
What is randomisation?
The process of using chance methods in the design of the experiment in order to limit investigator effects
What is standardisation?
Using the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants
Naturalistic vs controlled observation
naturalistic - in natural environment, more applicable, less controlled
controlled - more controlled, less aplicable
overt vs covert observation
overt - know you are being watched, more ethical, more demand characteristics
covert- dont know, less ethical less demand characteristics
when would the mean be the most appropriate central tendency
- no extreme values, so result will not be distorted
- takes into account all data values so more representative
- interval data
objectivity
Scientific researchers must not let their personal opinions or biases ‘discolour’ the data or influence behaviour of participants
empirical methods
The scientific process of gathering evidence through direct observation and experience to produce quantitative data. A theory must be empirically tested to be considered scientific
replicability
The extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers. Popper stated, by repeating a study we can see the extent to which the results can be generalised.
falsifiability
The principle that a theory can’t be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being found untrue. Popper argued that the key criteria of a scientific theory is its falsifiability.
null hypothesis v alternative hypothesis
- null - there will be no difference
- alternative - there will be a difference
Theory construction
observation > theory > hypothesis > study > conclusion
paradigm and paradigm shift
Paradigm: an agreed set of assumptions and methods within a scientific discipline
Paradigm shift: a significant change in the dominant theory within a scientific discipline brought about by new findings
Kuhn psychology is considered a pre-science as there is no paradigm
