Psychology 243
(Research Methods – Fundamentals Of Social Research Methods: An
African Perspective)
1. Reliability vs Validity (4 marks)
a. Reliability: an estimate of the accuracy and internal consistency of a
measurement instrument.
b. Validity: the degree to which a study actually measures what it purports to
measure.
2. Sampling Methods (Probability)
a. Simple Random Sampling (“random” – everyone has an equal chance)
b. Interval Sampling (instead of random numbers, qual intervals used. More bias
than SRS).
c. Stratified Random Sampling (used in population, extra strata must be in
relation to the population)
d. Multi-Stage Sampling (not time consuming)
3. Casual Hypothesis (x5 characteristics)
i. Has at least two variables
ii. Expresses a cause/effect relationship between the variables
iii. Can be expressed as a prediction
iv. Logically linked to a research question and theory
v. Is falsifiable
4. Advantages of Sampling
i. Quick and easy
ii. Cost effective
iii. It’s practical (in an infinite population)
iv. Destructive sampling (tablet batches)
5. How does one know QUANTITATIVE data is trustworthy? (10 marks)
i. I honestly don’t know where in the book this is (it was in 1st and 2nd op)
ii. Just listen in class and take notes (I’m really sorry….)
6. How does one know QUALITATIVE data is trustworthy? (10 marks)
i. I honestly don’t know where in the book this is (it was in 1st and 2nd op)
ii. Just listen in class and take notes (I’m really sorry….)
7. Errors (found in entire design) (4 marks)
i. Research question vague
ii. Hypothesis vague
iii. Question not linked to theories
iv. Bias in sampling method
v. Bias in sample used/sampling criteria
vi. Problem with measuring instrument
vii. Chance factors (1 element, not another, included)
, viii. Bias in selection (faulty technique)
ix. Non-response error (element of sample does not respond to a
measurement instrument OR failure to complete task)
8. Types of Bias (4 marks)
a. Interviewer bias (influences respondent’s answer)
b. Respondent bias (unresponsive participants)
c. Analyst bias (all errors at processing level)
d. Researcher bias (philosophical/political/religious beliefs and views)
i. Researcher’s personal views influencing data
9. How to determine size of sample group (3 marks)
a. Degree of accuracy required
b. Degree of variability/diversity in population
c. Number of variables to be examined
10. Plausible Rival Explanation vs Spurious Relationship
a. Plausible Rival Explanation: can identify 3rd variable
b. Spurious Relationship: something else influencing, don’t know of it
11. Conceptual Definition
i. Must donate distinctive characteristics for that which it defines
ii. Should not be circular
iii. Should be stated clearly
iv. Should be stated positively (e.g: NOT “that module that is not easy” –
rather, “that module that’s difficult)
12. Useable Hypothesis
a. Conceptually clear
b. Specific
c. Should have empirical referents
d. Must be testable with available techniques
13. Variables
Extraneous
Moderat Control
or Variable
Variable
Anteceden
Depende Independe
t Variablent nt Variable
Intervening
- Know flow chart EXACTLY
(Research Methods – Fundamentals Of Social Research Methods: An
African Perspective)
1. Reliability vs Validity (4 marks)
a. Reliability: an estimate of the accuracy and internal consistency of a
measurement instrument.
b. Validity: the degree to which a study actually measures what it purports to
measure.
2. Sampling Methods (Probability)
a. Simple Random Sampling (“random” – everyone has an equal chance)
b. Interval Sampling (instead of random numbers, qual intervals used. More bias
than SRS).
c. Stratified Random Sampling (used in population, extra strata must be in
relation to the population)
d. Multi-Stage Sampling (not time consuming)
3. Casual Hypothesis (x5 characteristics)
i. Has at least two variables
ii. Expresses a cause/effect relationship between the variables
iii. Can be expressed as a prediction
iv. Logically linked to a research question and theory
v. Is falsifiable
4. Advantages of Sampling
i. Quick and easy
ii. Cost effective
iii. It’s practical (in an infinite population)
iv. Destructive sampling (tablet batches)
5. How does one know QUANTITATIVE data is trustworthy? (10 marks)
i. I honestly don’t know where in the book this is (it was in 1st and 2nd op)
ii. Just listen in class and take notes (I’m really sorry….)
6. How does one know QUALITATIVE data is trustworthy? (10 marks)
i. I honestly don’t know where in the book this is (it was in 1st and 2nd op)
ii. Just listen in class and take notes (I’m really sorry….)
7. Errors (found in entire design) (4 marks)
i. Research question vague
ii. Hypothesis vague
iii. Question not linked to theories
iv. Bias in sampling method
v. Bias in sample used/sampling criteria
vi. Problem with measuring instrument
vii. Chance factors (1 element, not another, included)
, viii. Bias in selection (faulty technique)
ix. Non-response error (element of sample does not respond to a
measurement instrument OR failure to complete task)
8. Types of Bias (4 marks)
a. Interviewer bias (influences respondent’s answer)
b. Respondent bias (unresponsive participants)
c. Analyst bias (all errors at processing level)
d. Researcher bias (philosophical/political/religious beliefs and views)
i. Researcher’s personal views influencing data
9. How to determine size of sample group (3 marks)
a. Degree of accuracy required
b. Degree of variability/diversity in population
c. Number of variables to be examined
10. Plausible Rival Explanation vs Spurious Relationship
a. Plausible Rival Explanation: can identify 3rd variable
b. Spurious Relationship: something else influencing, don’t know of it
11. Conceptual Definition
i. Must donate distinctive characteristics for that which it defines
ii. Should not be circular
iii. Should be stated clearly
iv. Should be stated positively (e.g: NOT “that module that is not easy” –
rather, “that module that’s difficult)
12. Useable Hypothesis
a. Conceptually clear
b. Specific
c. Should have empirical referents
d. Must be testable with available techniques
13. Variables
Extraneous
Moderat Control
or Variable
Variable
Anteceden
Depende Independe
t Variablent nt Variable
Intervening
- Know flow chart EXACTLY
