Paper 3 - Avoiding Bias

Field diary

A detailed record of research decisions, events and thoughts kept by researchers before and during data collection and analysis

Standardised instructions

A script of identical instructions given to each participant to help prevent experimenter bias.

Behavioural checklist

An agreed list of behavioural events or states which is then used to record behaviour during observations. Reduces experimenter bias and increases inter-rate reliability.

member checking

Asking participants to read the researcher's report to verify that the data and analysis is accurate.

Negative Case Analysis

deliberately looking through qualitative data for examples which contradict or challenge the interpretations and conclusions of researchers.

double-blind design

research design in which neither the experimenter nor the participants know which condition of the IV a participant is in.

Research Assistants

Individuals who can assist with data collection and / or interpretation but who may not be aware of the purpose of research or the hypotheses being tested.

Data triangulation

Repeating a research method with the same participants and researchers but in a different context. For example, interviews conducted in formal and then informal contexts.

Researcher triangulation

Involves the use of several observers, interviewers, or researchers to collect data and compare results and interpretation.

Anonymity

It is not possible to connect data to specific individuals - helps to reduce (but does not remove) social desirability bias.

Method triangulation

The use of two or more research methods to study the same behaviour.

Data Convergence

When the data from one or more more forms of triangulation seems to lead to the same conclusions.

peer debriefing

a technique in which the researcher asks a well informed peer to challenge decisions made about how data was collected and the interpretation of results.