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Content Page. Observational Method Experimental Method Experimental Design Aims & Hypothesis Variables: IV, VD & EV/CV Operationalisation Sampling Techniques Factors Associated with Research Design Reliability Validity Ethical Issues Data Suggestions for future/Improvements
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Content Page • Observational Method • Experimental Method • Experimental Design • Aims & Hypothesis • Variables: IV, VD & EV/CV • Operationalisation • Sampling Techniques • Factors Associated with Research Design • Reliability • Validity • Ethical Issues • Data • Suggestions for future/Improvements • Writing Procedure
1. Observational Method G541 & G544
Section B • Briefly outline the observational method used in Psychology (4 marks) • Describe 2 observational studies in Psychology (8 marks) • Discuss strengths and limitations of using the observational method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer (12 marks) • Compare observations with self reports. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer
Key features of the observational method • In an observation, data are collected by someone observing (watching) participants and recording what pts do or say. • Sometimes the observer is present and sometimes the observer is hidden behind a one-way mirror. • Other recording techniques can be used, including video recordings and CCTV footage. • Observations may be conducted on their own or they may be conducted as part of an experiment. NB: What identifies an investigation as an experiment is whether it has an IV and DV rather ran where it is conducted or the details of the procedure
Improving Observations Inter-observer reliability: • 2 observers • Should be agreement on data collected
Section B • Briefly outline the experimental method used in Psychology (4 marks) • Describe 2 laboratory experiments in Psychology (8 marks) • Discuss strengths and limitations of using the experimental method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer (12 marks) • Compare laboratory experiments with field experiments. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer • Discuss the extent to which psychology can be a science (8 marks)
Brainstorm • Write down everything you can remember about the experimental method
Brainstorm • Write down everything you can remember about the experimental method: • Types • Design • Hypothesis • Variables • Control • Ethical Issues • Data Collection
Key features of the experimental method • Theory: The aim of an experimental is to test a hypothesis (prediction) with the aim of disproving or supporting it. • Test: In order to test the prediction, it has to be established that one variable (thing) has a measurable effect on another variable (thing). • Control: The study must be conducted under controlled conditions so that the researcher can identify that the effect that has been found is due only to an identified variable and not to other factors that were not tested. • Replication: In order for support for a theory to be retested it is vital that any experiment can be replicated (imitated with the same results) by others. This means that the method must be identified precisely and be standardised so that it can be imitated.
Key steps in an experiment • The experimenter comes up with a hypothesis • The experimenter designs an experiment to test that hypothesis • The experimenter manipulates one factor (the IV) that s/he has identified in his hypothesis as being likely to cause a particular effect. • The experimenter measures the effect of this manipulation (DV). • Other variables are controlled. • The experimenter analyses the difference in the mean results obtained in each condition. • If a significant difference is found between means, this supports the alternative hypothesis. If no significant difference is found, the null hypothesis is retained.
Activity 4Design • Imagine that you are going to conduct an observation of children in a playground with two other researchers. To what extent to you think that you will all record the same behaviours? How might you cope with any disagreements? • If an experimenter used different wording in the instructions to different participants, how might this affect the results of the study?