A Level Psychology - Research Methods (Year 12 only)

An experiment is where a psychologist will change the​ (a)   to see what effect it has on the​ (b)   .

• independent variable
• dependent variable

Answer explanation

In an experiment, the psychologist manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on the dependent variable. The independent variable is what is changed, while the dependent variable is what is measured.

Match the key parts of an experiment with their correct definition:

• The purpose of the experiment

• Conclusion

• The data obtained from the experiment

• Evaluation

• How the experiment could be improved

• Results

• The procedure followed during the experiment

• Aim

• The interpretation of the results

• Method

Keeping an experiment as normal and realistic as possible refers to which key term:

• Ecological validity

• Demand characteristics

• Order effects

• Standardisation

Answer explanation

Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-world settings. Keeping an experiment normal and realistic enhances its ecological validity, making the results more applicable to everyday situations.

Match the following types of variable with their correct definition:

• A variable that is controlled

• Extraneous variable

• A variable that is changed

• Confounding variable

• A variable that is measured

• Dependent variable

• A variable that cannot be controlled

• Independent variable

Identify the appropriate variables for the following experiment: "An investigation into whether revising in the morning is more effective than revising in the afternoon"

• How effective the revision is

• Independent variable

• How well they normally work in am / pm

• Dependent variable

• When the revision takes place

• Extraneous variable

• The method of revision used

• Confounding variable

A​ (a)   hypothesis suggests there will be no difference in the​ (b)   due to a change in the​ (c)   . A​ (d)   hypothesis suggests there will be a difference, whilst a (e)   hypothesis suggests what that difference will be.

• independent variable
• directional
• non-directional
• null
• dependent variable

Answer explanation

The non-directional hypothesis indicates no expected difference, while the directional hypothesis specifies the nature of the difference. The independent variable is what is changed, and the dependent variable is what is measured.

'Revising in the morning will increase the amount of information retained'. What type of hypothesis is this?

• Directional

• Non-directional

• Null

Answer explanation

The hypothesis states that revising in the morning will specifically lead to an increase in information retention, indicating a predicted direction of the effect. Therefore, it is a directional hypothesis.

'Changing the time when revision occurs will not affect the amount of information retained'. What type of hypothesis is this?

• Directional

• Non-directional

• Null

Answer explanation

The statement suggests that changing the revision time has no effect on information retention, indicating no relationship. This aligns with a null hypothesis, which posits no effect or difference, making 'Null' the correct choice.

Put these types of experiment in order based on how much control the psychologist has on the extraneous variables (most control first):

• Lab experiment

• Field experiment

• Natural experiment

Match the following types of experiment with their correct definitions:

Groups:

(a) Lab experiment

,

(b) Field experiment

,

(c) Natural experiment

,

(d) Quasi experiment

• Changes in the independent variable occur naturally

• Conducted in a natural environment

• Conducted in a fake environment

• Extraneous variables are not controlled

• A confederate is often used

• All extraneous variables controlled

• Some extraneous variables controlled