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Key terms & definitions in research methods

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Term
Definition
Experiment   This research method tells you if there is a causal relationship between variables  
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Scattergraph   This graph allows you to assess the strength of correlations  
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Observation   This research method involves watching and recording behaviour  
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Closed   These questions require P’s to choose from a number of predetermined responses  
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Independent Measures Design   Where different participants take part in each condition  
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Independent Variable   In an experiment, this is the variable that is manipulated by the experimenter  
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Overt   If a study is conducted in this way the P’s know they are taking part  
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Field   This refers to research carried out in the P’s natural environment  
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Random Sampling   Which this technique each member of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample  
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Demand Characteristics   These are cues about the study that may convey (show) your aim to the P’s  
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Correlation   This shows you how strongly two variables are related  
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Ecological Validity   If your study is done in an unnatural environment it is likely to lack this  
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Structured   In this sort of interview the questions are predetermined  
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Covert   In this type of study the P’s are unaware that a study is taking place  
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Reliability   This relates to consistent measurement – you can repeat and find the same results  
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Opportunity Sampling   This involves using whichever P’s are available at the time  
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Interview   This research method involves asking questions to P’s  
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Researcher Bias   This can happen when a researcher lacks objectivity  
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Validity   This relates to accurate measurement, whether your study measures what it claims to measure  
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Open   These questions allow P’s to respond however they want  
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Laboratory   This is a specifically designed, controlled environment for conducting research in  
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Extraneous Variable   A variable that will have an effect on the dependent variable unless it is controlled  
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Quantitative   This type of data comes in the form of numbers  
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Representative   This is a feature of a good sample  
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Dependent Variable   In an experiment, this is the variable measured by the experimenter  
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Matched Pairs   Design in which you match P’s on specific characteristics e.g. gender, age, IQ  
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Central tendency   This type of statistic tells you a typical value from a data set  
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Repeated Measures   Design where participants take part in all experimental conditions  
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Dispersion   This type of statistics tells you how spread out the data are  
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Qualitative   This is non-numerical data  
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Experimental / Alternative Hypothesis   This is a prediction of the expected outcome of the study  
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Questionnaire   This research method asks P’s to respond to questions in writing  
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Hypothesis   A specific, testable statement  
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Operationalised   a clearly defined variable with a clear statement of how it will be measured.  
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Two-tailed   This kind of hypothesis will only predict a difference rather than the direction of the difference.  
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Aim   The purpose of a piece of research  
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Demand characteristics   This is when a participant behaves/responds in a way that they think the experimenter wants them to.  
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