The Experimental Method

Question 1

Define aim

Answer 1

A statement of what the researchers intend to find out in a research study

Question 2

Define debriefing

Answer 2

A post-research interview designed to inform participants of the true nature of the study and to restore them to the state they were in at the start.

Question 3

Define ethical issues

Answer 3

Concern questions of right and wrong that arise when there are conflicting sets of values between researchers and participants

Question 4

Define experiment

Answer 4

A research method where casual co conclusions can be drawn because IV has been deliberately manipulated to observe effect on DV

Question 5

Define extraneous variables

Example?

Answer 5

Nuisance variables that make it difficult to detect a significant effect. Do not vary systematically with IV.

Time of day

Question 6

Define hypothesis

Answer 6

A precise and testable statement about the assumed relationship between variables

Question 7

Define IV

Answer 7

An event that is directly manipulated by experimenter

Question 8

Define DV

Answer 8

Something that is measured to test the effect of the IV

Question 9

Define informed consent

Answer 9

Participants must be given information concerning the nature and purpose of the research and their role in it in order to make an informed decision on whether to participate

Question 10

Define operationalise

Answer 10

Ensuring that variables are specific and can be easily tested

Question 11

Define standardised procedures

Answer 11

A set of procedures that are the same for all participants in order to be able to repeat the study.