Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of an experiment?

Establishing a library of existing theories

Researching historical perspectives

Exploring cause-and-effect relationships (correct)

Measuring demographic data

Which variable is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect?

Dependent variable

Control variable

Experimental variable

Independent variable (correct)

What could be a negative consequence of poorly conducted research?

A better understanding of the variables involved

Wider acceptance of the research methods used

Inaccurate or misleading results (correct)

Increased public interest in the findings

In a self-report study, how does the participant provide information?

By answering structured questions directly Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of defining and manipulating variables in research?

To establish the reliability of findings Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial to ensure trustworthy research?

Planning and conducting research effectively Signup and view all the answers

When testing the effect of lighting on attention, what would be the dependent variable?

The participants' ability to pay attention Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider ethical considerations in research?

To protect participants and uphold professional standards Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a structured interview?

Same questions for every participant Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview allows for both fixed and flexible questions?

Semi-structured interview Signup and view all the answers

In case studies, which of the following is a key characteristic?

Detailed investigation of a single instance Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?

They may hinder data comparison across interviews Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a case study, which type of information can be included?

Observational data and pre-existing records Signup and view all the answers

Observations in research primarily involve what action?

Watching participants in their environment Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher choose to use a semi-structured interview format?

To ensure that some questions are standardized Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a major advantage of case studies?

They allow for detailed tracking of individual cases Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of closed questions?

They provide a fixed set of possible responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following formats is NOT typically associated with closed questions?

Why questions Signup and view all the answers

What type of response do open questions usually elicit?

Detailed and descriptive answers Signup and view all the answers

Which question type is most likely to explore underlying reasons behind a behavior?

Open questions Signup and view all the answers

What are questionnaires primarily used for?

To gather feedback through written responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique can be used to conduct an interview?

Via telephone or chat facility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common type of closed question format?

Rate your happiness on a scale from 1 to 10. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about self-reports is correct?

Self-reports can be done via interviews or questionnaires. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring a variable at the outset and again after an intervention?

To establish a baseline for tracking long-term change Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes independent and dependent variables in an experimental design?

Independent variables are changed to observe effects on dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

How should the independent variable be presented in a study for clarity?

It should be operationalised to define its levels clearly. Signup and view all the answers

In a study examining the effect of age on false memory susceptibility, how should the dependent variable be operationalised?

By measuring false memories as recollected details or belief accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a quasi-experimental design commonly used for?

To measure effects of interventions over a long-term period. Signup and view all the answers

What defines co-variables in correlation studies?

They are two measured variables without manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to operationalise the dependent variable?

To ensure that it can be reliably compared across different studies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting a study that tests the effect of age on memory?

Defining what is meant by 'young,' 'middle-aged,' and 'old'. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded from a correlational study?

Only that two variables vary together. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of correlation, what does a positive correlation indicate?

Both variables change in the same direction. Signup and view all the answers

Why should 'co-variables' be referred to instead of 'independent and dependent variables' in correlation studies?

Causation cannot be established in correlational studies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement to determine a causal relationship between two variables?

An experimental study. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a third variable influencing both attention in class and test scores?

Student's level of hard work. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a negative correlation between two variables?

One variable increases while the other decreases. Signup and view all the answers

If a correlational study finds no link between two variables, what can be inferred?

There is no causal relationship. Signup and view all the answers

How can the strength of correlation be evaluated?

By examining the degree of relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aims

An aim can express the intention to investigate a link or relationship between two variables.
This type of study is referred to as a correlation.

Research Process

The research process includes:
- Development of an aim
- Selection of a research method and its designs, formats, or techniques
- Definition, manipulation, measurement, and control of variables and variables in hypotheses
- Participant selection
- Ethical considerations
- Data analysis, including drawing conclusions
- Research evaluation

Experiments

An experiment looks for a cause-and-effect relationship.
The independent variable (IV) is manipulated to see its effect on the dependent variable (DV).
The IV is manipulated to create 'levels' or conditions, e.g., bright or dull lighting, or early vs. late in the day.
The effect of these conditions on the DV is measured.

Self-Reports

Self-reports collect information directly from participants.
Two main methods of self-reports are questionnaires and interviews.

Questionnaires

Questionnaires present questions to the participant in written form, either on paper or online.
Questionnaires can use closed or open questions.
- Closed questions: Fixed set of responses, e.g., yes/no, multiple choice, rating scales (e.g., 0-5), Likert scales (strongly agree to strongly disagree).
- Open questions: Ask for descriptive answers in the participant's own words, typically "Why...?" or "Describe...".

Interviews

Interviews involve the researcher having a direct conversation with the participant, typically face-to-face or over the phone.
Interviews can use structured, unstructured, or semi-structured formats.
- Structured interview: Same questions in the same order for every participant, standardized procedure.
- Unstructured interview: Questions vary based on the participant's responses, flexible but difficult to compare data.
- Semi-structured interview: Combines fixed questions with participant-specific questions for flexibility and comparison.

Case Studies

A case study is a detailed investigation of a single instance, often a person, family, or institution.
Collects in-depth data using various techniques, like interviews, observations, tests, and questionnaires.
Useful for studying rare cases and tracking developmental changes.

Observations

Observations involve watching participants, either humans or animals.
In experiments, they can establish a causal relationship between the IV and DV.

Correlations

Correlations investigate the relationship between two variables, called co-variables.
It's important to note that correlations do not establish causality, meaning it is impossible to be certain that one variable causes changes in the other.
The relationship between co-variables can be described as positive or negative.
- Positive correlation: Higher scores on one variable are associated with higher scores on the other.
- Negative correlation: Higher scores on one variable are associated with lower scores on the other.

Quasi-Experimental Designs

These designs involve repeated measurements at different time points.
Useful for tracking long-term changes, especially after interventions like educational or health programs.

Variables

Variables are factors that change or can be changed.
In experiments, there are independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
In correlations, there are two measured variables called co-variables.
Operational definitions are important for clarifying the intended differences represented by the variables.

Manipulation, Measurement, and Control of Variables

In experiments, the IV is manipulated to create different conditions.
The DV is measured effectively to assess the effect of the IV.
It's important to control other variables that could influence the DV, ensuring the observed changes are due to the IV manipulation.

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Description

This quiz covers essential research methods in psychology, including aims, experiments, and self-reports. Understand the development of research questions, the manipulation of variables, and ethical considerations in studies. Test your knowledge on the different methodologies used in psychological research.