Psychology

Front 1

Independent variable IV

Back 1

The variable that is changed or controlled in a specific experiment

Front 2

Dependent variable DV

Back 2

The variable that is measured in the experiment; is “depends” on the independent variable

Front 3

Extraneous variables

Back 3

External factors that can influence the dependent variable but cannot be controlled or manipulated. E.g. past medication history of a brain-damaged patient in a case study (H.M.)

Front 4

Confounding variables

Back 4

External factors that can influence the dependent variable but can be controlled and manipulated. E.g. when testing how the number of words (IV) influence memory recall (DV), the length of each word is an example of a confounding variable because longer words are harder to recall but it is something that can be controlled in an experiment if researchers select words of the same length.

Front 5

An ideal lab experiment

Back 5

Does not have extraneous and confounding variables because the rigorous control of experimental conditions in an artificial setting is difficult

Front 6

Controlled conditions

Back 6

Lacks treatment/manipulation of the independent variable. These variables are controlled and remained unchanged to create fair testing

Front 7

Counterbalancing (ABBA)

Back 7

Techniques used to counter order effects when using a repeated measures design. (Participant sample divided in half. First half does condition A then B. Second half does condition B then A. Order effects is balanced out)

Front 8

Order effects

Back 8

Changes in participants performance due to the repetition of task. E.g. practice effect, fatigue effect

Hint 8

Practice effect: repeating a sequence, more trials = more practice = better results

Fatigue effect: push ups then sit-ups then arm wrestling = get tired before the arm wrestling = not accurate results

Front 9

Population

Back 9

Inhabitants of a particular area

Front 10

Target population

Back 10

The entire group of individuals or objects researchers are interested in generalising the conclusions - usually have varying, specific characteristics

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Bias

Back 11

The tendency to behave/act in an illogical way, leaning towards a specific direction and lack a neutral viewpoint. (Discriminatory biases, self-delusional biases)

Front 12

Ethics

Back 12

Correct rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research. Protect participants from harm or exploitation. Concept of right and wrong.

Front 13

Ethics

Back 13

Correct rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research. Protect participants from harm or exploitation. Concept of right and wrong.

Front 14

Validity

Back 14

Data collection that truly represents the phenomenon you are experimenting with. The degree to which the results accurately reflect what the research is measuring.

Front 15

External validity

Back 15

Can the results be generalised? Can the results be transferred to another sample or context? (Making it less valid)

Front 16

External validity

Back 16

Can the results be generalised? Can the results be transferred to another sample or context? (Making it less valid)

Front 17

Internal validity

Back 17

How detailed is the study? Did the researcher take alternative explanations into account?

Front 18

Temporal validity

Back 18

Validity in relation to the progression of time.

Front 19

Temporal validity

Back 19

Validity in relation to the progression of time

Front 20

Ecological validity

Back 20

How much of the understanding can be applied in realistic situations?

Front 21

Reliability

Back 21

Consistency of a study. Are there same results in repeated trials?

Front 22

Reliability

Back 22

Consistency of a study. Are there same results in repeated trials?

Front 23

Demand characteristic

Back 23

When participants unconsciously change or alter their behaviour to fit the researchers research goals. E.g. if you see the researchers watching, it motivates participants to behave more socially acceptable (look “better”)

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Researcher triangulation

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Multiple researchers participate in a study or investigation

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Theory triangulation

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Using more than one theoretical scheme of ideas to interpret phenomenon

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Theory triangulation

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Using more than one theoretical scheme of ideas to interpret phenomenon

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Methodological triangulation

Back 27

More than one method to gather data. Capturing different dimensions of the phenomenon = higher validity. E.g. Case study - MRI, lab, interviews, observations.

Front 28

Theory triangulation

Back 28

Using more than one theoretical scheme of ideas to interpret phenomenon

Front 29

Methodological triangulation

Back 29

More than one method to gather data. Capturing different dimensions of the phenomenon = higher validity. E.g. Case study - MRI, lab, interviews, observations.

Front 30

Ethnocentrism

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Evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of ones own culture. Judging other cultures and sense of superiority amongst different cultures based solely on heritage.

Front 31

Ethnocentrism

Back 31

Evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of ones own culture. Judging other cultures and sense of superiority amongst different cultures based solely on heritage.

Front 32

Hypothesis

Back 32

Statement about relationship between two or more variables. 1. One directional one-tailed hypothesis (eating Nutella will increase weight) 2. Non-directional two-tailed hypothesis (eating Nutella will change weight) 3. Null hypothesis (eating Nutella will have no effect on weight). In the end one is accepted the other is rejected.