Definition of research methods
Means by which explanations are tested
Definition of experimental method
Research method using random allocation of participants and the manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect
Definition of IV
Factor manipulated by researchers in an investigation
Definition of DV
Factor measured by researchers in an investigation
Definition of operationalisation of variables
Process of defining variables into measurable factors
Definition of extraneous variables
Variables other than the IV that might affect the DV
Definition of confounding variables
Uncontrolled extraneous variables that negatively affect results
Definition of demand characteristics
Features of research which allow participants to work out aim of study and change behaviour accordingly
Definition of investigator effects
Researcher effects where researchers features influence participants’ responses
Definition of lab experiment
Experiment conducted in controlled environment allowing establishment of causality
Definition of field experiment
Experement conducted in naturalistic environement where researchers manipulate the IV
Definition of nautral experiment
Experiment where IV varies naturally
Definition of quasi experiment
Experiment where researcher is unable to freely manipulate IV or randomly allocate participants to different conditions
Definition of naturalistic observations
Surveilance and recording of naturally occuring events
Definition of behavioural catgories
Dividing target behaviours into subsets of behaviours through use of coding systems
Definition of inter-observer reliability
Where observers consistently code behaviour in the same way
Definition of self-report techniques
Participants giving info about themselves without researcher influence
Definition of questionaires
Self-report method where participants record their own answers to a pre-set list of questions
Definition of interviews
Self-report technique where participants answer questions in face-to-face situations
Last changeda year ago