Research Methods in Psychology

Null Hypotheses (H0)

• Predicts a significant difference will be found in the results between conditions.

• Predicts no difference will be found in the results between conditions. Typically written as 'There will be no difference...'

• Indicates that the results are due to chance.

• Suggests that the alternative hypothesis is true.

Repeated measures design advantage

• Controls for participant differences by using the same participants.

• Increases the variability of the data collected.

• Reduces the time required for data collection.

• Eliminates the need for a control group.

Lab experiments

• Conducted in a well-controlled environment for accurate and objective measurements.

• Performed in natural settings to observe real-world behavior.

• Require minimal equipment and resources for simplicity.

• Focus on subjective interpretations of data.

Ensuring reliable findings

• Operationalizing variables and controlling extraneous factors.

• Randomly assigning participants to groups.

• Using a larger sample size to increase validity.

• Conducting a literature review before the study.

Operationalization of variables

• Making variables measurable or quantifiable for easy testing and replication.

• The process of defining the terms of a process or concept.

• A method of collecting data through surveys and interviews.

• The act of analyzing data to draw conclusions.

Comparing two groups with an independent variable

• Ensure the groups do not differ in any other important way.

• Ensure the groups are of equal size.

• Ensure the groups have the same average age.

• Ensure the groups are from the same geographical location.

Techniques used in case studies.

• Surveys

• Psychological tests

• Focus groups

• Meta-analysis

Repeated measures design

• Each participant appears in both groups, ensuring the same participants in each group.

• Each participant is assigned to only one group for the duration of the study.

• Participants are randomly assigned to different groups for each trial.

• Each group consists of entirely different participants.

Outcome variable in correlational studies.

• The variable that is predicted by the predictor variable.

• The variable that influences the predictor variable.

• The variable that remains constant throughout the study.

• The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.

Random allocation

• Assigning participants to groups by chance to reduce bias.

• A method of selecting participants based on their preferences.

• A technique to ensure equal representation of demographics in each group.

• A strategy for maximizing the sample size in a study.