Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of an experiment?
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?
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?
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?
In a self-report study, how does the participant provide information?
What is one purpose of defining and manipulating variables in research?
What is one purpose of defining and manipulating variables in research?
Which aspect is crucial to ensure trustworthy research?
Which aspect is crucial to ensure trustworthy research?
When testing the effect of lighting on attention, what would be the dependent variable?
When testing the effect of lighting on attention, what would be the dependent variable?
Why is it important to consider ethical considerations in research?
Why is it important to consider ethical considerations in research?
What characterizes a structured interview?
What characterizes a structured interview?
Which type of interview allows for both fixed and flexible questions?
Which type of interview allows for both fixed and flexible questions?
In case studies, which of the following is a key characteristic?
In case studies, which of the following is a key characteristic?
What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?
What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?
When conducting a case study, which type of information can be included?
When conducting a case study, which type of information can be included?
Observations in research primarily involve what action?
Observations in research primarily involve what action?
Why might a researcher choose to use a semi-structured interview format?
Why might a researcher choose to use a semi-structured interview format?
Which of the following best describes a major advantage of case studies?
Which of the following best describes a major advantage of case studies?
What is a primary characteristic of closed questions?
What is a primary characteristic of closed questions?
Which of the following formats is NOT typically associated with closed questions?
Which of the following formats is NOT typically associated with closed questions?
What type of response do open questions usually elicit?
What type of response do open questions usually elicit?
Which question type is most likely to explore underlying reasons behind a behavior?
Which question type is most likely to explore underlying reasons behind a behavior?
What are questionnaires primarily used for?
What are questionnaires primarily used for?
Which technique can be used to conduct an interview?
Which technique can be used to conduct an interview?
Which of the following is a common type of closed question format?
Which of the following is a common type of closed question format?
Which statement about self-reports is correct?
Which statement about self-reports is correct?
What is the purpose of measuring a variable at the outset and again after an intervention?
What is the purpose of measuring a variable at the outset and again after an intervention?
Which statement best describes independent and dependent variables in an experimental design?
Which statement best describes independent and dependent variables in an experimental design?
How should the independent variable be presented in a study for clarity?
How should the independent variable be presented in a study for clarity?
In a study examining the effect of age on false memory susceptibility, how should the dependent variable be operationalised?
In a study examining the effect of age on false memory susceptibility, how should the dependent variable be operationalised?
What is a quasi-experimental design commonly used for?
What is a quasi-experimental design commonly used for?
What defines co-variables in correlation studies?
What defines co-variables in correlation studies?
Why is it crucial to operationalise the dependent variable?
Why is it crucial to operationalise the dependent variable?
What is the first step in conducting a study that tests the effect of age on memory?
What is the first step in conducting a study that tests the effect of age on memory?
What can be concluded from a correlational study?
What can be concluded from a correlational study?
In the context of correlation, what does a positive correlation indicate?
In the context of correlation, what does a positive correlation indicate?
Why should 'co-variables' be referred to instead of 'independent and dependent variables' in correlation studies?
Why should 'co-variables' be referred to instead of 'independent and dependent variables' in correlation studies?
What is the requirement to determine a causal relationship between two variables?
What is the requirement to determine a causal relationship between two variables?
What might be a third variable influencing both attention in class and test scores?
What might be a third variable influencing both attention in class and test scores?
What characterizes a negative correlation between two variables?
What characterizes a negative correlation between two variables?
If a correlational study finds no link between two variables, what can be inferred?
If a correlational study finds no link between two variables, what can be inferred?
How can the strength of correlation be evaluated?
How can the strength of correlation be evaluated?
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.