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3.1.2 AS research methodology

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  1. Research methods

    1. • Experiments - Candidates should be able to: - describe the main features of each type of experiment: - - laboratory - - field - evaluate each type of experiment, in terms of: - - reliability - - validity - - ethics - describe and evaluate experimental designs as used in psychological research (independent measures, matched pairs and repeated measures) - describe and evaluate concepts relating to experimental designs including counterbalancing, random allocation, order effects (fatigue and practice) - evaluate the use of experiments in psychological research, including the use of experimental and control groups/control conditions - apply knowledge of experiments to a given novel research scenario.

    2. • Self-reports - Candidates should be able to: - describe the main features of each type of self-report: - - questionnaire, including technique (paper and pencil/online) and question format (open and closed questions) - - interview, including format (structured/unstructured/semi-structured), technique (telephone/face-to- face) and question format (open and closed questions) - evaluate the use of self-reports in psychological research - apply knowledge of self-reports to a given novel research scenario.

    3. • Case studies - Candidates should be able to: - describe the case study method, including the main features: a single participant/unit; studied in detail - evaluate the use of case studies in psychological research - apply knowledge of case studies to a given novel research scenario.

    4. • Observations - Candidates should be able to: - describe the main features of an observation (e.g. overt/covert, participant/non-participant, structured/unstructured, naturalistic/controlled) - evaluate the use of observations in psychological research - apply knowledge of observations to a given novel research scenario.

    5. • Correlations - Candidates should be able to: - describe correlations, positive and negative correlations and strength of correlations - identify and give operational definitions for co-variables (measured variables) - evaluate the use of correlations in psychological research, including lack of causality - apply knowledge of correlations to a given novel research scenario.

    6. • Longitudinal studies - Candidates should be able to: - describe longitudinal studies, including experiments with longitudinal designs - evaluate the use of longitudinal studies, including experiments with longitudinal designs - apply knowledge of longitudinal studies, including experiments with longitudinal designs, to a given novel research scenario.

  2. Methodological concepts

    1. Aims and hypotheses

      • Aims and hypotheses - Candidates should be able to: - describe and write aims - describe and recognise null hypotheses and alternative hypotheses including directional (one-tailed) and non-directional (two-tailed) hypotheses.

    2. Variables

      • Variables - Candidates should be able to: - describe what is meant by an independent variable and a dependent variable - describe how dependent variables can be measured - identify independent variables and dependent variables in studies - understand what is meant by an 'operational definition' - operationalise: - - an independent variable - - a dependent variable - apply knowledge of variables to a novel research situation.

    3. Controlling of variables

      • Controlling of variables - Candidates should be able to: - describe how psychologists can control variables (use 'controls') in a study - understand control of variables/standardisation of a procedure - understand uncontrolled, participant and situational variables - apply knowledge of control of variables ('controls') to a novel research situation.

    4. Types of data

      • Types of data - Candidates should be able to: - describe what is meant by quantitative and qualitative data and subjective and objective data - evaluate the use of types of data as collected in psychological research - apply knowledge of types of data to a novel research situation.

    5. Sampling of participants

      • Sampling of participants - Candidates should be able to: - describe what is meant by the sample and population, and the sampling techniques of opportunity sampling, random sampling and volunteer (self-selecting) sampling - evaluate different sampling techniques as used in psychological research, including generalisations - apply knowledge of sampling techniques to a novel research situation.

    6. Ethics

      • Ethics - Candidates should be able to: - describe ethical guidelines as used in psychological research, in relation to human participants: - - minimising harm (and maximising benefit) - - valid consent including informed consent - - right to withdraw - - lack of deception - - confidentiality - - privacy - - debriefing - describe ethical guidelines as used in psychological research, in relation to animals: - - minimising harm (and maximising benefit) - - replacement - - species - - numbers - - procedures ○ pain, suffering and distress ○ housing ○ reward, deprivation and aversive stimuli - evaluate studies based on ethical guidelines - apply knowledge of ethical guidelines to a novel research situation.

    7. Validity

      • Validity - Candidates should be able to: - describe validity, including ecological validity - evaluate studies based on their validity: - - subjectivity/objectivity - - demand characteristics - - generalisability - apply knowledge of validity to a novel research situation.

    8. Reliability and replicability

      • Reliability and replicability - Candidates should be able to: - describe different types of reliability, including inter-rater and inter-observer reliability, test-retest reliability - evaluate studies based on their reliability - apply knowledge of reliability to a given novel research situation - understand replicability - apply understanding of replicability to the planning of studies.

    9. Data analysis

      • Data analysis - Candidates should be able to: - present and interpret data in tables - understand the meaning of 'measure of central tendency' - name, recognise and know how to find measures of central tendency: - - mode - - median (no calculation necessary) - - mean (no calculation necessary) - understand the meaning of 'measure of spread' - - name, recognise and know how to find range - - recognise, interpret and understand standard deviation - name, recognise, draw, change and interpret data from a: - - bar chart - - histogram - - scatter graph. - Note: Candidates will not be required to carry out calculations. - Note: Candidates will not be required to understand or interpret statistical tests or findings other than as specified.