A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY SUMMARY ON
REASEARCH METHOD COMBINED WITH
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Core Concepts
• Aims: General statements of what a study intends to investigate.
• Hypotheses: Precise predictions about variables.
• Directional (one-tailed): Predicts the direction of results.
• Non-directional (two-tailed): Predicts a difference but not the direction.
• Variables:
• Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated by researcher.
• Dependent Variable (DV): Measured outcome.
• Extraneous Variables: Other factors that may affect DV.
• Confounding Variables: Variables that systematically affect DV.
Types of Research Methods
• Experiments:
• Laboratory: High control, low ecological validity.
• Field: Natural setting, less control.
• Natural: IV occurs naturally, no manipulation.
• Quasi: IV based on existing differences (e.g., gender).
• Observations: Structured vs unstructured; overt vs covert.
• Self-Reports: Questionnaires, interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured).
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individuals/groups.
,• Correlational Studies: Examines relationships between variables, not causation.
Sampling Methods
• Random: Equal chance for all participants.
• Systematic: Every nth person selected.
• Stratified: Proportional representation of subgroups.
• Opportunity: Whoever is available.
• Volunteer: Participants self-select.
Data Handling
• Quantitative Data: Numerical, easy to analyse.
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive, rich detail.
• Primary Data: Collected directly by researcher.
• Secondary Data: Collected by others, reused.
Descriptive Statistics
• Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, median, mode.
• Measures of Dispersion: Range, standard deviation.
• Graphs: Bar charts, histograms, scattergrams.
Inferential Statistics
• Significance Testing: Determines if results are due to chance.
• p-value: Probability level (commonly p ≤ 0.05).
• Statistical Tests:
, • Chi-square, Spearman’s rho, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, t-tests (depending on data type
and design).
Ethical Considerations
• Informed Consent
• Right to Withdraw
• Protection from Harm
• Confidentiality
• Deception (must be justified and debriefed)
QUESTIONS
Core Concepts
1. Define an aim in psychological research.
REASEARCH METHOD COMBINED WITH
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Core Concepts
• Aims: General statements of what a study intends to investigate.
• Hypotheses: Precise predictions about variables.
• Directional (one-tailed): Predicts the direction of results.
• Non-directional (two-tailed): Predicts a difference but not the direction.
• Variables:
• Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated by researcher.
• Dependent Variable (DV): Measured outcome.
• Extraneous Variables: Other factors that may affect DV.
• Confounding Variables: Variables that systematically affect DV.
Types of Research Methods
• Experiments:
• Laboratory: High control, low ecological validity.
• Field: Natural setting, less control.
• Natural: IV occurs naturally, no manipulation.
• Quasi: IV based on existing differences (e.g., gender).
• Observations: Structured vs unstructured; overt vs covert.
• Self-Reports: Questionnaires, interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured).
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individuals/groups.
,• Correlational Studies: Examines relationships between variables, not causation.
Sampling Methods
• Random: Equal chance for all participants.
• Systematic: Every nth person selected.
• Stratified: Proportional representation of subgroups.
• Opportunity: Whoever is available.
• Volunteer: Participants self-select.
Data Handling
• Quantitative Data: Numerical, easy to analyse.
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive, rich detail.
• Primary Data: Collected directly by researcher.
• Secondary Data: Collected by others, reused.
Descriptive Statistics
• Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, median, mode.
• Measures of Dispersion: Range, standard deviation.
• Graphs: Bar charts, histograms, scattergrams.
Inferential Statistics
• Significance Testing: Determines if results are due to chance.
• p-value: Probability level (commonly p ≤ 0.05).
• Statistical Tests:
, • Chi-square, Spearman’s rho, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, t-tests (depending on data type
and design).
Ethical Considerations
• Informed Consent
• Right to Withdraw
• Protection from Harm
• Confidentiality
• Deception (must be justified and debriefed)
QUESTIONS
Core Concepts
1. Define an aim in psychological research.
