VCE Psychology Unit 1 and 2 RESEARCH METHODS

VCE Psychology Unit 1 and 2 RESEARCH METHODSPsychology -ANSWER The scientific study of human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Research method -ANSWER A particular way of conducting a research study (investigation) to collect accurate and reliable data on a topic of interest. Sample -ANSWER A subsection or smaller group of research participants selected from a larger group of research interest. Population -ANSWER The entire group of research interest from which a sample is drawn and to which the researcher will seek to apply (generalise) the results of their investigation. Research hypothesis -ANSWER A testable prediction of the relationship between two or more variables (events to characteristics). Experiment -ANSWER Used to test a cause-effect relationship between variables under controlled conditions. Variable -ANSWER Something that can change (vary) in amount or type and is measurable. Independent variable -ANSWER The variable that is manipulated in order to measure its effect on the dependent variable. It is sometimes referred to as the 'treatment' variable to which participants may or may not be exposed. Dependent variable -ANSWER The variable that is used to observe and measure the effects of the IV. Operationalising -ANSWER Operationalising the IV and the DV involves defining them in terms of the specific procedures or actions (operations) used to measure them. Experimental group -ANSWER The group of participants that is exposed to the independent variable (i.e. the treatment). Control group -ANSWER The group of participants that is not exposed to the independent variable.