AQA- A- Level Psychology: Research Methods Already Passed~!!

Abstract - ANSWER A self-contained, clear and concise summary of the research including the aim, hypothesis, method/procedure, results and conclusions. Explain the the difference between an aim and a hypothesis. - ANSWER An aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate. The aim is the purpose of the study, while the hypothesis is a clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated and is stated at the outset of any study. State one occasion where a psychologist may choose to use a directional hypothesis. - ANSWER When the findings of previous research suggest a particular outcome. State two occasions where a psychologist may choose to use a directional hypothesis. - ANSWER Where there's no previous research, or the findings from earlier studies are contradictory. Explain the difference between an extraneous variable and a confounding variable. - ANSWER Demand characteristics are any cues from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the study's purpose and may lead to participants altering their behaviour, whereas an extraneous variable is any variable other than the IV that may affect the DV if uncontrolled. What are the strengths of a lab experiment? - ANSWER High control over extraneous variables so researcher can ensure that any effect on the DV is likely because of the manipulation of the IV. Therefore, lab studies tend to have high internal validity and are replicable. What are the limitations of lab studies? - ANSWER May lack generalisability and external validity. Lab environment may be artificial and not reflect everyday life. May be subject to demand characteristics and lack mundane realism. What are the strengths of field studies? - ANSWER Higher mundane realism than lab studies as the environment is more natural. May produce behaviour that is more valid and authentic, especially if Ps are unaware that they're being studied. High external validity. What are the limitations of field experiments? - ANSWER Reduced control over extraneous variables due to increased realism so precise replication may not be possible. Ethical issues arise when Ps are unaware that they're being studies. Can't consent and privacy may be invaded. What are the strengths of natural experiments? - ANSWER Provide opportunities for research that may not have otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons. High external validity as they involve the study of real-life issues as they happen. What are the limitations of natural experiments? - ANSWER Can't be precisely replicated. Naturally occurring event may happen rarely and limit generalisation of findings to similar situations. Ps may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions, so less sure whether it was IV that affected DV. Strengths of quasi-experiments. - ANSWER Soften excited in controlled conditions so share same strengths as lab studies. Limitations of quasi-experiments. - ANSWER Can't randomly allocate Ps to conditions and therefore there may be a confounding variable. Identify and outline two sections of a scientific report. - ANSWER Any of the following: 1. Title (determines who reads full report; must be as concise and simultaneously informative, telling the reader what the report's about). 2. Abstract (provides brief summary of study, including details of each sections). 3. Introduction (introduces background info on background research, leading to aims and hypothesis). Correlation - ANSWER An association between co-variables. Case studies are what kind of research? - ANSWER Idiographic. Case study - ANSWER Involves an in-depth investigation, description, and analysis, over time, of a 'case', usually a single individual or a small group, or an event. Correlation coefficient - ANSWER Number between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of correlation. Positive correlation - ANSWER As one variable increases so does the other. Case history - ANSWER May use interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination. Longitudinal - ANSWER Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time - but not always. Describe the case of Genie. - ANSWER Genie was a child raised in social isolation with little human contact. She spent almost her entire childhood locked in a bedroom, isolated and abused for over a decade. She was found aged 13; she was severely malnourished, could not stand properly or walk normally, could not understand any language, and could not speak. She had been imprisoned alone in her bedroom by her father as she was 'mentally retarded'. She spent many hours tied to a potty and was fed baby food. Her parents spent very little time with her and she was punished if she made any noise.