Research Methods in Psychology

Experimental Group

Exposed to the experimental condition (the independent variable is present).

Sampling

The process of selecting participants for a sample.

Situational Variable

Variables associated with the experimental situation itself that may affect the results of an experiment.

Extraneous Variables

Variables other than the independent variable that can cause change in the dependent variable.

Steps in Psychological Research

1. Identify the research problem 2. Formulate a hypothesis 3. Design the method 4. Collect the data 5, Analyse the data 6. Interpret the data 7. Report the findings

Generalisation

A judgement about how widely the findings of a research study can be applied.

Conclusion

A judgement bout what the results of a research study mean.

Research Method

A particular way of conducting a research study or investigation to collect data.

Journal

A publication that contains reports of research.

Representative Sample

A sample that is approximately the same as the population from which it is drawn in every important participant characteristic.

Random Sampling

A sampling procedure that ensures that every member of the population of research interest has a genuinely equal chance of being selected as a participant of the research study.

Scientific Method

A series od systematic and oderly steps which researcgers use to plan, conduct and report research.

Sample

A subsection, or smaller group, of research participants selected from the population.

Hypothesis

A testable prediciton of the relationship between two or more events or characteristics.

Experimental Research

All the different types of experiemental research designs.

Descriptive Research

All the research methods that focus on studying aspects of behaviour and mental processes as they occur in a given time and place, rather than by manipulating and controlling participants' experiences in one or many ways.

Control Group

Exposed to the control condition (the independent variable is absent).

Descriptive Research

Focuses on studying and describing one or more aspects of thoughts, feelings or behavior as they occur at a given time or place.

Participant Variables

Individual differences in personal characteristics among research participants.

Random Allocation

Participants selected for the experiment are just as likely to be a part of the control group as the experimental group.

Participants

People who take part in the research.

Experimenter Variables

Personal characteristics of the experimenter.

Ethics

Refers to standards that guide individuals to identify good, desirable or acceptable conduct.

Population

The entire group of research interest from which a sample is drawn.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is used to observe and measure the effects of the independent variable.

Experiment

Used to test whether one variable, influences of causes a change in another variable.