Research Process and Experiment Design

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of including a hypothesis in an experiment?

To outline the method of data collection

To describe the participants involved

To provide a summary of the results

To make predictions about the outcome of the experiment (correct)

What does standardising the procedure in research increase?

Validity

Reliability (correct)

Bias

Variability

Standardisation in experiments ensures that all participants are treated differently to account for individual variations.

False

What does IV stand for in the context of research experiments?

Independent Variable Signup and view all the answers

Reliability in psychology refers to the inconsistency of the findings in a research study.

False Signup and view all the answers

The __________ of an experiment includes the step-by-step instructions that participants follow.

Procedure Signup and view all the answers

What are two important aspects included in a lab report for an experiment?

Research Question and Method Signup and view all the answers

The extent to which a procedure is consistent is known as __________.

reliability Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of an experiment with their correct description:

IV = Factor that is manipulated DV = Factor that is measured Participants = Individuals taking part in the study Method = Description of how the experiment will be conducted Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of a lab report with their descriptions:

IV = The variable that is manipulated DV = The variable that is measured Aim = The intended outcome of the study Procedure = The step-by-step process of the experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ethical guidelines in research?

They ensure the safety and welfare of participants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a variable that can affect reliability?

Participant variables Signup and view all the answers

Experimental designs can only be either independent measures or repeated measures.

True Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify confounding variables in an experiment?

They can affect the results and alter the findings. Signup and view all the answers

Using the same equipment to measure responses contributes to the standardisation of an experiment.

True Signup and view all the answers

List one ethical guideline that should be followed when conducting an experiment.

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Research Process

The research process involves designing and conducting experiments.
The example experiment described is from an older syllabus, but remains very similar to current experiments
Key factors include: describing a practical strength of the experiment, including how the procedure avoids sampling or ethical issues, describing how the experiment could practically be conducted, detailing the reasoning behind a procedural strength, and explaining the importance of standardization

Experiment Design

Variable presented: The way words are presented (hearing vs. seeing) affects word recall.
Predictions: More words will be recalled from an auditory presentation compared to a visual presentation
Methodology: A laboratory experiment should be conducted to test this
Essential components for the lab experiment include the operationalization, or the scoring of the recall of words. A key element is establishing the way that the IV of presentation is administered (visually or orally) in order to test the hypothesis.
Considerations for a lab experiment such as location (lab setting), sample group (target participants for the study), and time of presentation should be detailed in the methodology section
Important details: Experimental design, sampling technique, sample size, analysis methods (central tendency and spread on a bar chart for instance), and ethical considerations
Evaluation of the quality of experiment proposals: Level 3 response descriptions will be in sufficient detail and replicable. There might be minor omissions; the terminology accuracy and comprehensiveness is important. Level 2 responses are detailed but with some omissions. Level 1 responses are limited in detail with major omissions. Descriptions determined as impossible to conduct will have a max of 2 marks. Other details which may be relevant include the operationalization of variables for consistent measurements

Reliability

Reliability in psychology means the consistency of research findings.
Results should remain the same across multiple attempts
Standardisation connects to reliability, as it ensures consistency
Each participant is treated identically (exact same instructions, equipment used, time in the experiment)
Standardization will improve the experiment's consistency and reliability
Standardized experiments are important because they prove the experiment is consistent.
Reliability aids value by presenting consistent results in the psychological field and other subject areas like education.

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Description

This quiz explores the research process and the design of experiments, focusing on practical applications and methodological considerations. It discusses factors such as procedural strengths, ethical issues, and how different presentations affect recall. Understand the essentials of lab experiments and their operationalization.