Psychology: Laboratory Experiments

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Questions and Answers

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

What are the main research methods that psychologists use to discover new information?

(Labratory) Experiments (correct)

Questionnaires (correct)

Observations (correct)

Interviews (correct)

Case Studies (correct)

Correlational Studies (correct)

What is an experiment?

An investigation looking to establish a cause and effect relationship

What is a laboratory experiment?

A laboratory experiment is an experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily a laboratory), where accurate measurements are possible. The researcher decides where the experiment will take place, at what time, with which participants, in what circumstances and using a standardized procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable?

The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What are confounding variables?

Confounding variables are extraneous variables that can affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What are controls?

Controls are used to strengthen the cause and effect relationship by eliminating other factors that could affect the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

A researcher can always keep things equal in psychology experiments.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is standardisation?

A standardised procedure is one where all participants follow the same order of events, and all aspects of the study (e.g. instructions or materials used) are standardised (the same). Signup and view all the answers

What is a repeated measures design?

In a repeated measures design, the same participant is repeatedly exposed to different conditions or treatments of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a matched pairs design?

In a matched pairs design, participants are matched on important characteristics, and then one member from each pair is randomly assigned to one condition of the independent variable, and the other member is assigned to the other condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent groups design?

In an independent groups design, each participant is randomly assigned to one condition of the independent variable. There are separate groups for each condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a representative sample?

A representative sample is a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population from which it was drawn. Signup and view all the answers

What is opportunity sampling?

Opportunity sampling involves selecting participants who are readily available to the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is volunteer sampling?

Volunteer sampling involves participants who choose to participate in the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is random sampling?

Random sampling involves selecting participants randomly from the population. Signup and view all the answers

What are uncontrolled variables?

Uncontrolled variables are variables that cannot be controlled by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is ecological validity?

Ecological validity refers to the extent to which the results of an experiment can be generalized to real-life settings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods 1: Laboratory Experiments

An experiment is an investigation to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
A laboratory experiment is conducted under highly controlled conditions, enabling accurate measurements, where the researcher controls the setting, time, participants, and procedures.

Psychology:

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

Psychological Research Methods:

Psychologists use a mix of research methods, a technique called triangulation, to gather information.
This includes (but not limited to): laboratory experiments, case studies, correlational studies, interviews, questionnaires, and observations.

Independent and Dependent Variables:

The independent variable (IV) is the variable the researcher manipulates to observe its effect.
The dependent variable (DV) is the variable that's measured to see if it changes in response to the IV.
For an experiment to be valid, all other variables must be controlled, so the change in the DV is caused by the change in the IV.

Extraneous Variables:

Extraneous variables are factors that can affect the DV, but aren't the variables of interest for the experiment.
These can be participant variables (e.g., gender, age, prior experience) or situational variables (e.g., weather, room temperature, noise level).

Controlling Variables:

Standardisation ensures all participants experience the same procedures and materials to reduce extraneous variables.
Controls are used to strengthen the cause-effect relationship by minimizing the impact of extraneous variables.

Types of Experimental Design:

Independent groups: different participants are used in different conditions of the study.
Repeated measures: the same participants experience all conditions of the study.
Matched pairs: participants are matched based on similar characteristics, and one participant from each matched pair is assigned to each condition.

Sampling:

A representative sample is essential for generalising findings from the study sample to the target population.
Different sampling techniques (e.g., opportunity, volunteer, random) have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of representativeness and practicality.

Sample Issues:

There are many factors, such as participant's age, gender, socioeconomic status, education levels, country or race, that can affect the generalizability of findings.

Sample Size:

The required sample size depends on the specific study and the phenomenon being examined. Biological studies often need smaller samples to attain results for more generalisable conclusions.

Homework Assignments:

Students should read specific sections of a textbook.
Study and add the key findings regarding experimental designs and "methodological concepts" to their notes.

Creating Research Charts:

Create a flowchart outlining the steps in a simple experiment.
Identify and label the potential extraneous variables and standardisations. Indicate how they can affect the study findings.
Outline experimental aims and hypotheses, along with the difference of the two concepts.

Question Examples:

How many people do you need?
How do you choose participants? (What method to use?)

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of laboratory experiments in psychology. This quiz covers independent and dependent variables, controlled conditions, and the role of triangulation in psychological research. Test your understanding of how psychologists establish cause-and-effect relationships.