Stage 1 Psychology BPS, Research Methods, and Cognition L Notes
Topic One: BPS Model
Considers biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interaction in health, behaviours,
and treatments
Biological and Psychological factors:
Related to the individual
Social factors:
External – the environment
Topic Two: Research Methods
Experimental Studies
→ Manipulation of independent variable to see the effect on the dependent variable
→ Random allocation of participants
Two types:
Independent Groups Design
→ Experimental group and control group
→ Compare results of two groups
→ One group exposed to independent variable, other is not
Repeated Measures Design
→ Measured in experimental condition
→ Measure again in control condition (pre and post test)
→ Same group of people. In the first test they are not exposed to the independent variable, and in the
second test they are.
Observational Studies
→ No manipulation of variables or participants because they are pre-existing groups
Types:
Natural observation
Correlation
Longitudinal
→ Used when it is too costly, or unethical to manipulate a participant in an experiment
→ However, a ‘cause-and-effect’ relationship cannot be established since there are other variables
which could influence the data
Qualitative Studies
→ Gathers verbal data
→ Focus groups, interviews, Delphi Technique, surveys etc.
Focus groups
→ A group interview which obtains data through discussion between participants
→ Typically between 6 - 8 participants discuss perspective and comment on others opinions
→ A facilitator leads the discussion
→ Participants may be biased in their responses, or avoid telling the truth due to ‘social desirability’
Topic One: BPS Model
Considers biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interaction in health, behaviours,
and treatments
Biological and Psychological factors:
Related to the individual
Social factors:
External – the environment
Topic Two: Research Methods
Experimental Studies
→ Manipulation of independent variable to see the effect on the dependent variable
→ Random allocation of participants
Two types:
Independent Groups Design
→ Experimental group and control group
→ Compare results of two groups
→ One group exposed to independent variable, other is not
Repeated Measures Design
→ Measured in experimental condition
→ Measure again in control condition (pre and post test)
→ Same group of people. In the first test they are not exposed to the independent variable, and in the
second test they are.
Observational Studies
→ No manipulation of variables or participants because they are pre-existing groups
Types:
Natural observation
Correlation
Longitudinal
→ Used when it is too costly, or unethical to manipulate a participant in an experiment
→ However, a ‘cause-and-effect’ relationship cannot be established since there are other variables
which could influence the data
Qualitative Studies
→ Gathers verbal data
→ Focus groups, interviews, Delphi Technique, surveys etc.
Focus groups
→ A group interview which obtains data through discussion between participants
→ Typically between 6 - 8 participants discuss perspective and comment on others opinions
→ A facilitator leads the discussion
→ Participants may be biased in their responses, or avoid telling the truth due to ‘social desirability’
