AQA A-Level Psychology: Research Methods YEAR 1 Exam Questions and Answers (SCORED A)

What are the two types of validity? -ANSWER - Internal and external What is validity? -ANSWER - How true or genuine an observed effect or behaviour is. What doe internal validity mean? -ANSWER - If the IV produces a change in the DV, if the test tests what it's supposed to, if it has or hasn't got mundane realism. What are the different types of external validity? -ANSWER - Ecological (linking to real life), Population (linking to gender), Temporal (linking to time of study) Finish the sentence: Having good control means... -ANSWER - A high internal validity, but a low external one. What are the rules for discussing validity? -ANSWER - In relation to research ONLY Be specific to what validity it is Clearly explain why the study does or doesn't have that validity. What is reliability? -ANSWER - Consistency of measurement, same data on more than one occasion. How does reliability relate to validity? -ANSWER - More reliable, more likely to have good internal validity, controlled variables. If a test is unreliable, it can't be valid. What is an IV? -ANSWER - What the researcher manipulates. (cause) What is a DV? -ANSWER - What is measured. (effect) Why do variables need to be operationalised? -ANSWER - To provide a clear, objective definition of the variables to be studied. Measuring and discussing the same thing. What are extraneous variables? -ANSWER - They exist in all studies and can interfere with obtaining a clear understanding of relationships among study variables. Need to be controlled. Like PsV and SV, affect behaviour Finish the sentence: If an extraneous variable isn't controlled... -ANSWER - It may alter the results and cause an effect in some way, it's then confounding. Identify IV and DV: Students