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?

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable?

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

What are confounding variables?

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

What are controls?

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

A researcher can always keep things equal in psychology experiments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is standardisation?

<p>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).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a repeated measures design?

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

What is a matched pairs design?

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent groups design?

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

What is a representative sample?

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

What is opportunity sampling?

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

What is volunteer sampling?

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

What is random sampling?

<p>Random sampling involves selecting participants randomly from the population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are uncontrolled variables?

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

What is ecological validity?

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

Flashcards

What is an experiment?

A research method designed to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

What is an Independent Variable (IV)?

The variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in an experiment.

What is a Dependent Variable (DV)?

The variable that the researcher measures in an experiment to see the effect of the independent variable.

What are Confounding (Extraneous) Variables?

Variables that can affect the relationship between the IV and DV and influence the outcome of the experiment, but are not the variables of interest.

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What are Controls?

Techniques used to eliminate or minimize the influence of extraneous variables on the dependent variable. They help ensure that any observed changes in the DV are indeed due to the IV.

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What is Experimental Design?

The specific plan or outline that researchers follow to conduct their experiment. It includes factors like how the IV will be manipulated, how the DV will be measured, and how extraneous variables will be controlled.

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What is a Laboratory Experiment?

A type of experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions, where precise measurements are possible. The researcher has control over the environment, participants, and procedures.

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What is an Aim?

The overall objective or goal of the research study. It states the purpose for conducting the experiment.

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What is a Hypothesis?

A prediction about the findings of the study, formulated before the experiment is conducted. It's a specific statement about the expected relationship between the IV and DV.

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What are Participant Variables?

A variable that can influence the DV but is related to the characteristics or traits of participants, such as age, gender, intelligence, or personality.

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What are Situational Variables?

A variable that can influence the DV but is related to the external environment surrounding the experiment, such as temperature, noise, or time of day.

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What is a Placebo Effect?

A phenomenon where people's expectations influence their response, even if the treatment itself has no effect.

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What is Standardization?

A standardized procedure is one where all participants follow the same order of events and all aspects of the study are consistent. It helps ensure that the experiment can be replicated by other researchers.

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What are Controls?

Techniques used to eliminate or minimize the influence of extraneous variables on the dependent variable. They help ensure that any observed changes in the DV are indeed due to the IV.

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What are Uncontrolled Variables?

Variables that cannot be controlled by the researcher, often due to factors beyond their control, such as unpredictable weather or natural events.

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What is Counterbalancing?

A technique used in repeated measures designs to control for order effects. Participants experience the different conditions of the experiment in different orders, averaging out order effects

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What is a Sample?

A group of individuals who are selected to represent a larger population in a research study.

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What is a Representative Sample?

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population it represents. It ensures that the findings of the study can be generalized to the broader population.

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What is Opportunity Sampling?

A sampling technique where participants are selected based on their availability or convenience to the researcher. It's quick and easy but may not be representative of the population.

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What is Self-Selected Sampling (Volunteer Sampling)?

A sampling technique where participants volunteer to participate in the research study. It may be biased as some individuals may be more likely to volunteer than others.

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What is Random Sampling?

A sampling technique where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the research study. It helps to ensure a representative sample.

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What is a Population?

The entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in studying. It can be the general population or a specific sub-group of individuals.

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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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Lesson 1 Experimental Basics PDF

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