SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGIES
What is an aim?
AIM is a statement outlining the purpose of the investigation. (test effect of iv on dv)
What is a research hypothesis and what must it include?
A research hypothesis is the testable prediction of the relationship between two or
more variables, usually predicting how changes in the independent variable will affect
the dependent variable.
● identification of the population.
● identification of both conditions of the independent variable.
AH
● identification of the dependent variable.
● a directional prediction. Deep dive Hypothesis
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated in order to measure its effect on the dependent
variable.
YS
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that the researcher uses to observe and measure the effects of the
independent variable.
What is a controlled variable?
A controlled variable is one that is considered to have an effect on the dependent
AN
variable in an experiment so it needs to be held constant to remove its potential effects.
What is variable?
A variable is something that can change in amount or type and is measurable.
What is a controlled experiment? (1 mark)
An experimental investigation of the relationship between one or more independent
variables and a dependent variable, controlling all other variables. This may include the
R
use of control groups.
What are control groups?
N
Control groups are not exposed to the IV under investigation. They provide a baseline
against which the performance of the experiment group can be compared to determine
whether the IV has affected the DV.
What is scientific investigation methodology?
Refers to the specific techniques used to collect and analyse data in an investigation.
(what research method is used to conduct a scientific investigation)
What is sampling?
,Sampling is the process by which a subset or part of the population is selected for an
investigation.
What is random sampling?
Random sampling is a sampling technique that ensures every member of the population
of research interest has an equal chance of being selected to be part of the sample.
How does random sampling achieve representativeness?
Random sampling minimizes bias such as researcher bias and helps the sample reflect
the diverse characteristics of the larger group. It is the most effective method for
making valid inferences about the whole population when the sample is large enough.
AH
What is stratified sampling?
Stratified sampling is the process of selecting a sample from a population composed of
various subgroups in such a way that each subgroup is represented.
How does stratified sampling achieve representativeness?
Stratified sampling ensures that particular subgroups in a population of interest are
YS
represented in their known proportions in that population, preventing them from being
under- or over-represented, which can occur with simple random sampling.
What is between subjects design?
An experimental design where each participant is randomly allocated to one of two
conditions and provides one score for data analysis.
AN
Advantages: Controls for order effects
Disadvantages: individual participant differences
What is within subjects design?
An experimental design where participants complete every experimental condition.
Advantages: limits the effect of individual participant differences
Disadvantages: Order effect/practice effect
R
What is MIXED SUBJECTS DESIGN? research method where at least one independent
variable is compared between different groups of participants and at least one
N
independent variable where the same participants are exposed to all conditions.
By combining both types of designs, researches can get a more complete picture of their
research question
Limits the effect of individual participant differences
Theory is a body of interrelated concepts that attempt to explain interrelated
observations and make predictions about future events
, 1. What is a Case study? (2 marks)
An investigation of a SPECIFIC activity, behaviour, event or problem that contains
a real or hypothetical situation and includes the complexities that would be
encountered in the real world.
PROS: Detailed, very rare
CONS: Due to small samples, it may not happen to everyone else. Difficult to
generalise to whole population
AH
2. What is Classification and identification? (2 marks)
Classification is the arrangement of phenomena, objects or events into
manageable SETS, whereas identification is a process of recognition of
phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or
YS unique set.
3. What is Correlational study? (3 marks)
Planned observation and recording of events and behaviours that have not been
manipulated or controlled to understand the RELATIONSHIPS that exist between
AN
TWO VARIABLES, to identify which factors may be of greater importance and to
make predictions. Typically happens in controlled or semi-controlled
environments rather than natural settings.
4. What is Fieldwork? (3 marks)
Based on inquiry or the investigation of an issue. fieldwork involves OBSERVING
R
and INTERACTING with a SELECTED ENVIRONMENT beyond the classroom, usually
to determine correlation (two things are related), rather than a causal
N
relationship (one thing causes another).
It may be conducted through a range of methods, including direct qualitative
and/or quantitative observations and sampling, participant observation,
qualitative interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and yarning circles.
What are interviews?
, An interview involves questions that are asked by the researcher with the intention of
prompting and obtaining specific information from an individual participant.
What are questionnaires?
A written set of questions or other prompts designed to draw out self-report
information from participants on a topic of research interest.
What are focus groups?
A focus group is a small set of people, who share characteristics and are selected to
discuss a topic of which they have personal experience.
What are participant observations?
AH
An observation where a trained investigator studies a pre-existing group by joining iy as
a member, while avoiding a conspicuous role that would change what occurs in the
group and bias the data.
PROS: Natural human behaviour, untainted by experiment
YSCONS: Assumptions are usually made
5. What is a Literature review? (3 marks)
Involves the collation and analysis of SECONDARY DATA related to other people’s
scientific findings and/or viewpoints in order to answer a question or provide
AN
background information to help explain observed events, or as preparation for an
investigation to generate primary data.
6. What is Modelling? (2 marks)
Involves the construction and/or manipulation of either a physical model, such as a
small- or large-scale representation of an object, or a conceptual model that represents
a system involving concepts that help people know, understand or simulate the system.
R
7. What is Product, process or system development? (2 marks)
DESIGN or evaluation of an artefact, process or system to meet a HUMAN NEED, which
N
may involveTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATION in addition to scientific knowledge and
procedures.
8. What is Simulation? (2 marks)
A process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system. The
modelling and manipulation of variables in a real system is useful because often the
variables cannot be controlled as the system may be too complex, too large or small, too
fast or slow, not accessible or too dangerous.
What is an aim?
AIM is a statement outlining the purpose of the investigation. (test effect of iv on dv)
What is a research hypothesis and what must it include?
A research hypothesis is the testable prediction of the relationship between two or
more variables, usually predicting how changes in the independent variable will affect
the dependent variable.
● identification of the population.
● identification of both conditions of the independent variable.
AH
● identification of the dependent variable.
● a directional prediction. Deep dive Hypothesis
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated in order to measure its effect on the dependent
variable.
YS
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that the researcher uses to observe and measure the effects of the
independent variable.
What is a controlled variable?
A controlled variable is one that is considered to have an effect on the dependent
AN
variable in an experiment so it needs to be held constant to remove its potential effects.
What is variable?
A variable is something that can change in amount or type and is measurable.
What is a controlled experiment? (1 mark)
An experimental investigation of the relationship between one or more independent
variables and a dependent variable, controlling all other variables. This may include the
R
use of control groups.
What are control groups?
N
Control groups are not exposed to the IV under investigation. They provide a baseline
against which the performance of the experiment group can be compared to determine
whether the IV has affected the DV.
What is scientific investigation methodology?
Refers to the specific techniques used to collect and analyse data in an investigation.
(what research method is used to conduct a scientific investigation)
What is sampling?
,Sampling is the process by which a subset or part of the population is selected for an
investigation.
What is random sampling?
Random sampling is a sampling technique that ensures every member of the population
of research interest has an equal chance of being selected to be part of the sample.
How does random sampling achieve representativeness?
Random sampling minimizes bias such as researcher bias and helps the sample reflect
the diverse characteristics of the larger group. It is the most effective method for
making valid inferences about the whole population when the sample is large enough.
AH
What is stratified sampling?
Stratified sampling is the process of selecting a sample from a population composed of
various subgroups in such a way that each subgroup is represented.
How does stratified sampling achieve representativeness?
Stratified sampling ensures that particular subgroups in a population of interest are
YS
represented in their known proportions in that population, preventing them from being
under- or over-represented, which can occur with simple random sampling.
What is between subjects design?
An experimental design where each participant is randomly allocated to one of two
conditions and provides one score for data analysis.
AN
Advantages: Controls for order effects
Disadvantages: individual participant differences
What is within subjects design?
An experimental design where participants complete every experimental condition.
Advantages: limits the effect of individual participant differences
Disadvantages: Order effect/practice effect
R
What is MIXED SUBJECTS DESIGN? research method where at least one independent
variable is compared between different groups of participants and at least one
N
independent variable where the same participants are exposed to all conditions.
By combining both types of designs, researches can get a more complete picture of their
research question
Limits the effect of individual participant differences
Theory is a body of interrelated concepts that attempt to explain interrelated
observations and make predictions about future events
, 1. What is a Case study? (2 marks)
An investigation of a SPECIFIC activity, behaviour, event or problem that contains
a real or hypothetical situation and includes the complexities that would be
encountered in the real world.
PROS: Detailed, very rare
CONS: Due to small samples, it may not happen to everyone else. Difficult to
generalise to whole population
AH
2. What is Classification and identification? (2 marks)
Classification is the arrangement of phenomena, objects or events into
manageable SETS, whereas identification is a process of recognition of
phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or
YS unique set.
3. What is Correlational study? (3 marks)
Planned observation and recording of events and behaviours that have not been
manipulated or controlled to understand the RELATIONSHIPS that exist between
AN
TWO VARIABLES, to identify which factors may be of greater importance and to
make predictions. Typically happens in controlled or semi-controlled
environments rather than natural settings.
4. What is Fieldwork? (3 marks)
Based on inquiry or the investigation of an issue. fieldwork involves OBSERVING
R
and INTERACTING with a SELECTED ENVIRONMENT beyond the classroom, usually
to determine correlation (two things are related), rather than a causal
N
relationship (one thing causes another).
It may be conducted through a range of methods, including direct qualitative
and/or quantitative observations and sampling, participant observation,
qualitative interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and yarning circles.
What are interviews?
, An interview involves questions that are asked by the researcher with the intention of
prompting and obtaining specific information from an individual participant.
What are questionnaires?
A written set of questions or other prompts designed to draw out self-report
information from participants on a topic of research interest.
What are focus groups?
A focus group is a small set of people, who share characteristics and are selected to
discuss a topic of which they have personal experience.
What are participant observations?
AH
An observation where a trained investigator studies a pre-existing group by joining iy as
a member, while avoiding a conspicuous role that would change what occurs in the
group and bias the data.
PROS: Natural human behaviour, untainted by experiment
YSCONS: Assumptions are usually made
5. What is a Literature review? (3 marks)
Involves the collation and analysis of SECONDARY DATA related to other people’s
scientific findings and/or viewpoints in order to answer a question or provide
AN
background information to help explain observed events, or as preparation for an
investigation to generate primary data.
6. What is Modelling? (2 marks)
Involves the construction and/or manipulation of either a physical model, such as a
small- or large-scale representation of an object, or a conceptual model that represents
a system involving concepts that help people know, understand or simulate the system.
R
7. What is Product, process or system development? (2 marks)
DESIGN or evaluation of an artefact, process or system to meet a HUMAN NEED, which
N
may involveTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATION in addition to scientific knowledge and
procedures.
8. What is Simulation? (2 marks)
A process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system. The
modelling and manipulation of variables in a real system is useful because often the
variables cannot be controlled as the system may be too complex, too large or small, too
fast or slow, not accessible or too dangerous.
