Research Methods Terminology Glossary

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of debriefing participants after a research study?

To provide participants with their compensation for participating.

To collect additional data on participants' experiences during the study.

To reveal the true aim of the study and return participants to their previous state. (correct)

To ensure participants understand the importance of their involvement.

Which experiment type involves the researcher manipulating the independent variable in an external environment?

Field Experiment (correct)

Natural Experiment

Quasi Experiment

Lab Experiment

What does the term 'protection from harm' ensure in research ethics?

Participants are provided with mental health resources before, during, and after the study.

The risk of physical or mental harm must be no greater than everyday life. (correct)

Participants receive thorough medical training.

Participants may only experience harm during the study that is unavoidable.

Which of the following best defines 'mundane realism' in the context of experiments?

The similarity of experimental procedures to real-world events. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'alpha gender bias' refer to in psychological research?

Exaggerating differences between male and female participants. Signup and view all the answers

How does a natural experiment differ from other types of experiments?

The independent variable change occurs naturally rather than through manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'confidentiality' imply regarding participant data in research?

All collected data must be anonymized and kept secure unless otherwise agreed. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes 'beta gender bias'?

Theories minimize or ignore real differences between genders. Signup and view all the answers

What does internal validity specifically assess in a research study?

The extent to which changes in the dependent variable are genuinely due to the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which form of validity is concerned with whether study results can be generalized over time?

Temporal Validity Signup and view all the answers

In research, what is a confounding variable?

An extraneous variable that is systematically associated with the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of establishing control groups in an experiment?

To measure the exact influence of the independent variable with a passive treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which type of validity ensures that the research findings can be applied to real-life situations?

Ecological Validity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a primary ethical consideration in psychological research?

Ensuring participants are fully informed before giving consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of reliability in research methods?

The extent of consistency in results upon repeated trials Signup and view all the answers

Which situation exemplifies social desirability in research?

Participants answering in a way they believe will be viewed positively by the researcher Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Validity

Validity: The capacity of a test to measure what it is intended to measure.
Internal Validity: Reflects how much changes in the dependent variable (DV) can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable (IV), minimizing the influence of extraneous factors.
External Validity: The ability to apply study results to broader contexts outside the specific experiment.
Temporal Validity: Consideration of whether the time period of the research affects the findings and their generalization to different times.
Ecological Validity: The extent to which research findings are applicable to real-world settings.
Population Validity: How well results from a sample can be extrapolated to a larger target population.
Construct Validity: The degree to which a test measures the concept it is intended to assess.

Research Reliability and Bias

Reliability: The consistency of results upon repeated trials of an experiment.
Repeatability: Refers to the practical feasibility of replicating research methods and results.
Researcher Bias: Also called experimenter bias; researchers may inadvertently influence outcomes to support a desired conclusion.
Demand Characteristics: When participants alter their behavior based on their interpretation of the research purpose or to influence results.
Social Desirability: Occurs when participants modify their behavior to be viewed more favorably by others.

Experimental Design

Control Group: A baseline group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a comparison.
Experimental Group: The group that receives the experimental treatment.
Independent Variable (IV): The variable manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome measured to assess the effects of the IV.
Extraneous Variables: Uncontrolled factors that may affect the DV if not managed.
Confounding Variables: Factors that vary alongside the IV, making it difficult to ascertain their influence on the DV.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical Guidelines: The British Psychological Society (BPS) provides standardized rules for ethical research practices.
Informed Consent: Ensures participants fully understand the research's purpose and methods before agreeing to partake.
Debrief: Participants are informed of the study's actual aims after its completion.
Confidentiality: Participants' data must remain confidential and anonymous unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
Deception: Misleading participants about the study's true purpose or procedures is generally avoided unless necessary.
Right to Withdraw: Participants must always have the option to exit the study without penalty.
Protection from Harm: Participants should not experience greater physical or mental risks than they would in everyday life.

Types of Experiments

Lab Experiment: Conducted in controlled settings, where the IV is manipulated to observe its effects on the DV.
Field Experiment: Takes place in natural settings, providing real-world context while manipulating the IV.
Natural Experiment: Uses existing variations in the IV without researcher manipulation.
Quasi Experiment: Investigates an existing independent variable in a controlled environment without random assignment.

Additional Research Considerations

Mundane Realism: The extent to which experimental tasks mimic real-life situations.
Generalisability: The degree to which study findings can apply to various contexts beyond the specific research scenario.
Gender Bias: The unequal treatment or representation of genders, typically informed by stereotypes.
Representative Sample: A sample that accurately reflects the diverse characteristics of the target population.
Alpha Gender Bias: The exaggeration of differences between genders in theoretical perspectives.
Beta Gender Bias: The minimization or overlook of gender differences, often generalizing findings from male studies to females.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of key terms in research methods with this glossary quiz. Understand concepts like validity, internal validity, and their implications in research design. Perfect for students and professionals looking to reinforce their understanding of research terminology.