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Research Methods Flashcards
Free A Level Psychology Revision Cards on Flashcard Maker
From independent and dependent variables through to sampling, validity, reliability, and BPS ethical guidelines, these free Psychology flashcards cover everything you need for A Level Research Methods.
Question
What is an independent variable (IV)?
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Answer
The variable the researcher deliberately changes or manipulates in an experiment to test its effect on the dependent variable.
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Question
What is a dependent variable (DV)?
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Answer
The variable the researcher measures to assess the effect of the independent variable. It "depends" on the IV.
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Question
What is a confounding variable?
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Answer
A variable other than the IV that affects the DV, making it difficult to establish cause and effect. It varies systematically with the IV.
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Question
What is an extraneous variable?
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Answer
Any variable other than the IV that could affect the DV. Must be controlled to ensure results are due to the IV only. If uncontrolled, it becomes a confounding variable.
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Question
What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?
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Answer
Directional (one-tailed): predicts the direction of the effect (e.g. "Group A will score higher than Group B"). Non-directional (two-tailed): predicts a difference without specifying direction.
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Question
What is the null hypothesis?
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Answer
States there is no effect/difference/relationship — any difference found is due to chance. Researchers test whether evidence is strong enough to reject the null hypothesis.
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Question
What is an independent groups design?
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Answer
Different participants are used in each condition of the experiment. Advantage: no order effects. Disadvantage: participant variables may differ between groups.
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Question
What is a repeated measures design?
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Answer
The same participants complete all conditions. Advantage: controls participant variables. Disadvantage: order effects (fatigue, practice) and demand characteristics.
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Question
What is a matched pairs design?
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Answer
Participants are paired by relevant characteristics, with one of each pair in each condition. Reduces participant variables while avoiding order effects. Disadvantage: time-consuming to match.
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Question
What is random sampling?
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Answer
Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected. Reduces bias and is representative, but may be impractical for large populations.
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