AQA Psychology Research Methods Flashcards

Extraneous Variables

• Minimize extraneous variables using standardised procedures and random assignment of participants.

Standardised Procedure

• Conditions in an experiment are consistently set up the same, isolating the independent variable (IV).

Social Desirability Bias

• Participants may alter their behavior to appear favorable, impacting the authenticity of data collected.

Demand Characteristics

• Awareness of being observed in a study can lead participants to change their natural behavior, skewing results.

Confounding Variable

• Variables that fluctuate alongside the IV, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of observed effects.

Hypotheses

• Directional Hypothesis: Predicts the specific direction of results.
• Non-Directional Hypothesis: Predicts there will be a difference between conditions without specifying direction.
• Null Hypothesis: Assumes no significant effect in the study.

Types of Experiments

• Laboratory Experiments: Conducted in controlled environments where the IV is manipulated.
• Field Experiments: Set in natural settings with the IV manipulated by the researcher.
• Natural Experiments: Occur in natural environments where the researcher does not influence the IV.
• Quasi Experiments: Control with pre-existing conditions, like gender, as the IV.

Evaluation of Experiment Types

• Laboratory Experiment: Advantages include high control and replicability; disadvantages are demand characteristics and artificiality.
• Field Experiment: Advantages are reduced demand characteristics and increased external validity; disadvantages include limited control over extraneous variables and ethical concerns.
• Natural Experiment: Advantages consist of observing genuine behavior and studying unchangeable variables; disadvantages include lack of random assignment and presence of extraneous variables.
• Quasi Experiment: Advantages allow comparison of conditions that can't be manipulated; disadvantages include inability to randomly allocate participants.

Experimental Design

• The allocation of participants to different conditions plays a crucial role in experiment validity.

Types of Experimental Designs

• Repeated Measures Design: Same participants are used across all conditions.
  • Strengths include no participant differences; weaknesses involve order effects.
• Independent Groups Design: Different participants are assigned to each condition.
  • Strengths eliminate order effects; weaknesses introduce participant differences.
• Matched Pairs Design: Participants are paired based on similar characteristics and randomly assigned to conditions.
  • Strengths prevent order effects; weaknesses are time-consuming and require more participants.

Sampling Techniques

• Representative Sample: A small cohort that reflects the characteristics of the target population.
• Types of Sampling Techniques: Include random, opportunity, volunteer, systematic, and stratified sampling.

Random Sampling

• Each individual has an equal chance of selection, enhancing representativeness.
• Pros include increased representation; cons involve the risk of not being truly representative.

Systematic Sampling

• Participants are selected based on a fixed system, such as picking every nth individual.
• Pros avoid researcher bias; cons may not be fully representative of diverse populations.

Stratified Sampling

• The target population is divided into subgroups, and participants are selected to ensure representation of these groups.
• Overall, more representative samples; limitations arise when not all demographic factors can be accounted for.

Test your knowledge of key research methods in psychology with these flashcards. Cover important concepts such as minimizing extraneous variables, standardized procedures, and social desirability bias. Perfect for AQA psychology students preparing for exams.