Psychology Booster Booklet
Unit B543: Research in Psychology
Name:
Form:
Target Grade:
1
Group:
What you need to know
Planning research
Hypotheses
Candidates should be able to:
• frame a null hypothesis;
• frame an alternate (research) hypothesis;
• distinguish between null hypotheses and alternate hypotheses.
Variables
Candidates should be able to:
• distinguish between independent variables and dependent variables;
• outline what is meant by an extraneous variable;
• explain how extraneous variables can be controlled, including standardisation.
Experimental designs
Candidates should be able to:
• distinguish between repeated measures and independent groups designs;
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of a repeated measures design;
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of an independent groups design.
Sampling techniques
Candidates should be able to:
• distinguish between a target population and a sample;
• distinguish between random sampling and opportunity sampling;
• describe the relative strengths and weaknesses of random and opportunity sampling.
Ethical considerations
Candidates should be able to:
• discuss the issues of informed consent and right to withdraw;
• discuss the issues of confidentiality;
• discuss the issues of protection of participants, including deception, and health and well-being.
Doing research
Experiments
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the use of laboratory experiments;
• describe the use of field experiments;
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory and field experiments.
Questionnaires
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the use of questionnaires as a method of self report;
• distinguish between open and closed questions;
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of questionnaires.
Interviews
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the use of interviews as a method of self report;
• distinguish between structured and unstructured interviews;
2
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of interviews.
Observations
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the use of observations;
• identify the differences between covert and overt observations, and between participant and nonparticipant observations;
• describe the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of observations.
Types of studies
Candidates should be able to:
• describe the use of case studies;
• describe the use of correlation studies;
• compare the use of longitudinal studies and cross-sectional studies.
Analysing research
Types of data
Candidates should be able to:
• explain what is meant by quantitative data;
• explain what is meant by qualitative data;
• describe data collected from investigations.
Descriptive data
Candidates should be able to:
• use and interpret modes;
• use and interpret medians;
• use and interpret means.
Tables, charts and graphs
Candidates should be able to:
• use and interpret tables of data;
• use and interpret bar charts;
• use and interpret line graphs.
Evaluating findings
Candidates should be able to:
• explain the concept of validity, including ecological validity;
• explain the concept of reliability, including inter-rater reliability;
• outline the problems of demand characteristics, observer effects and social desirability.
Sources of bias
Candidates should be able to:
• explain the concept of gender bias;
• explain the concept of cultural bias;
• explain the concept of experimenter bias.
3
12/03/12
05/03/12
27/02/12
20/01/12
W/B
Section
Page
Marks
numbers Achieved
 Variables
 Hypotheses
 Experimental designs
 Assessment Questions
Signed off by HOY, Parent and
Teacher (circle)
 Sampling techniques
 Ethical considerations
 Assessment Questions
 Signed off by HOY,
Parent and Teacher
(circle)
 Experiments
 Questionnaires and
Interviews
 Observations
 Types of studies
 Assessment Questions
 Signed off by HOY,
Parent and Teacher
(circle)
 Types of data
 Tables, charts and
graphs
 Assessment Questions
5
6
7
8-9

9
11
18
9
Y/N
10-11
12
13
20
12
9
Y/N
14-15
16-17
21
24
18
19-20
21
18
24
16
Y/N
22
18
Signed off by HOY,
Parent and Teacher
(circle)
27/03/12
19/03/12



out of
Evaluating findings
Sources of bias
Mock Exam
4
AFL
  
Variables
Watch the video on VLE titled ‘In a science experiment’
What is the independent variable (IV)?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
What is the dependent variable (DV)?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
Now read the following and write DV or IV by each independent or dependent variable:
a) Participants were asked to organise or not organise a word list; then the number of
words they recalled was measured
b) Some participants were given cognitive and some behavioural therapy; after 6 months
symptom improvement for a phobia was measured
c) Time in seconds to name the colour of the ink in either a colour clashing (e.g., red
written in blue ink) or colour matching word list (e.g., red written in red ink)
d) Number of letters recalled after reading a chunked or unchunked list of letters
e) The experimenter counted the number of pictures recalled when 20 participants had
either recalled the pictures immediately after seeing them or after counting backwards
in twos for 30 seconds
f) Participants were asked to complete a puzzle either alone or in a group with three other
people. The time they took to complete the puzzle and the number of errors they made
was recorded.
(6)
What are extraneous/confounding variables?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
5
Hypotheses
Wh
at is an alternative hypothesis?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
What is a null hypothesis?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
What is the difference between a non directional hypothesis and a non-directional hypothesis?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
A directional hypothesis can be either a null hypothesis or an alternative hypothesis? (1)
 True
 False
Colour in the boxes below using a colour coded key to differentiate between a null hypothesis and
an alternative hypothesis.
There will be a correlation
(6)
Children who watch violent
between the number of people in
 Alternate hypothesis
video games will hit a Bobo
a group and the likelihood that
doll more often than
 Null Hypothesis
Participants who see the list of
organised words will remember
more words than participants
who see the same words listed
in random order.
There will be a difference in the
behaviour of children who eat
additives compared with the
children who did not eat any
additives.
children who have not
watched violent video
games.
Any difference in the
number of words recalled
by participants is not due to
the organisation of lists, but
is simply due to chance
events.
6
individuals will conform to group
norms.
Males and females, when given free
choice of where to sit, will not have
any preference for sitting either or
opposite or next to another person,
and any seating preference that is
observed will be due to chance.
On the above boxes, specify those that are directional hypotheses and those that are non directional
hypotheses.
Experimental Design
Read pages 252 – 253 of the text book
Answer the question below
What are the key differences between an independent measures design and a repeated measures
design?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(3)
Complete this table
Design
Independent groups
design
Description
Strengths
Weaknesses
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
Repeated measures
design
Matched pairs design
(1)
(2)
(2)
Remember that designs are only used in experiments, hence the name; experimental designs.
7
Assessment
Read through the section and using a highlighter identify the important information.
Answer the questions below
1. Give the aim of the study in the Source.
........................................................................................................................................................[1]
2. State who the participants were in the study.
........................................................................................................................................................[1]
3. State an alternate hypothesis for this study.
............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[2]
8
4.
Look at the diagram below. Draw a line from each box in the A column to the correct
box in the B column (2 marks).
5. Identify the experimental design used in the study by putting a tick next to one of the two
experimental designs given below.
Repeated measures 
Independent groups  (1 mark)
You have been asked to carry out an observation to investigate whether 5 year old
boys play differently from 5 year old girls. The theory is that they play with different
types of toys, play different types of games and interact differently in play.
a) State a hypothesis for this investigation.
.....................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................[2]
Total
......../9 marks
I have seen the above section and confirm that ........................................ has completed this work to the best of
his/her ability.
.............................................(HOY) ...........................................(parent/guardian).....................................(Miss Espley)
9
Sampling
Identify the following terms:
Target population
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
Sampling
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
Sample
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
Random Sampling
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
Opportunity Sampling
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
Volunteer Sampling
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
What is the most stratified type of sampling? Why?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)




In the table below evaluate the different sampling methods.
Remember that when you are evaluating you need to discuss the strengths and weaknesses.
Do not bullet point the evaluation. Write in sentences and remember to consider how these
types of sampling will affect the results (link to validity and reliability).
Evaluations will be marked out of three.
10
11
Ethical Considerations
Use the PowerPoint presentation on VLE ‘Course content > B543 > Ethics > Power Point on ethical
issue’ and your textbooks to read up on “Ethical Issues”, then complete the table below to outline
the main ones in your own words:
Ethical Issue
Outline
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
Comment on briefing and
debriefing
(2)
12
Assessment
Using the section on page 8 answer the following questions
1. The psychologist used a self-selecting sample.
(a) Name one other sampling technique that psychologists can use
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
(b) Give one disadvantage of the sampling technique you have named in (a).
..............................................................................................................................................................(1)
2.
You have been asked to carry out an observation to investigate whether 5 year old boys play
differently from 5 year old girls. The theory is that they play with different types of toys, play
different types of games and interact differently in play.
3. Outline where you would draw the sample from for this investigation and why.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
4. Describe one ethical issue you would have to deal with when observing 5 year olds.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
Total
......../9 marks
I have seen the above section and confirm that ........................................ has completed this work to the best of
his/her ability.
.............................................(HOY) ...........................................(parent/guardian).....................................(Miss Espley)
13
Experimental Methods
The term experimental method refers to the method used to carry out the experiment. There
are three main types of experiment – lab, field and natural.
Fill in the table below:
Research
Definition:
Method
Laboratory
experiment
Advantage(s)
Disadvantage(s)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
Field
experiment
Natural
experiment
What are the key differences between a laboratory experiment and a field experiment?
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
14
For each of the following examples identify which experimental method is being used.
1.
A researcher wanted to find out the effects of caffeine on memory. The researcher had two
groups of participants. One group drank strong coffee and where then given a list of words
to recall. The second group were given a warm caffeine free drink and were given a list of
words to recall.
Answer: _____________________________________ (1)
2.
Researchers were interested in aggression in primary aged children. They produced a sheet
of behavioural categories including typical aggressive behaviours and studied children in a
primary school playground. The children did not know they were being observed.
Answer: _____________________________________ (1)
3.
Researchers were interested in attachment styles and created a scenario within a room.
The children were brought into the room with their parents and then the parent left them
alone with a stranger. The researchers watched this behaviour from a two-way mirror.
Answer: _____________________________________ (1)
4.
A researcher wanted to see if people would help someone on the tube. They set up a
situation where a confederate would collapse during a tube journey. The confederate
appeared drunk in one condition and sick in the other condition. The researchers observed
the behaviours of the passengers witnessing the event.
Answer: _____________________________________ (1)
15
Self-Report Techniques
Interviews and Questionnaires
One of the best ways to elicit information from people is to ask them! Psychological research likes to
make use of questionnaires and interviews as an efficient and easy way of gathering data.
Complete the diagrams to show the factors which need to be taken into consideration when
designing a questionnaire and interview (hint: there should be 5 each).
Designing a
Questionnaire (5)
Designing an
Interview (5)
16
Design Issues
Sometimes questionnaire design can go drastically wrong. Look at the questionnaire below and
identify the main errors Fraud and Fakedata have made.
Main Flaws:
Problems they cause:
How to control them:
(4)
(4)
(4)
17
Observational Methods
A researcher might decide to conduct an observation instead of an experiment. There are two types
of observational method to chose from – a naturalistic observation or a controlled observation.
Both of these methods tend to look for a evidence of a relationship between two variables (a
correlation).
Be careful not to confuse a naturalistic observation with a natural experiment - the two are
different!
Fill in the table below:
Definition:
Naturalistic
Observation:
Strength:
Weakness
(2)
18
Example:
(2)
(1)
Controlled
Observation:
(2)
(2)
(1)
Outline the difference between a covert observation and an overt observation
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
Observations can further be divided into sub-categories:
 P____________ based
 N____- P______________ based
(2)
Which form of observation is being described below?
This form of observation requires the
researcher to take part in the situation being
studied.
Answer: _____________________ (1)
This form of observation occurs when the
researcher observes behaviour from outside of
the situation.
Answer: _____________________ (1)
The participants usually do not know that they
are being studied. This is also known as a covert
observation.
Answer: _____________________ (1)
Participants are usually aware that they are
being studied. This is also known as an overt
observation.
Answer:
_____________________ (1)
Type
of Studies
Case Studies
When a researcher conducts a case study, he or she is looking to gather in-depth information on an
individual or small group of people. The people being studied are normally pretty unique and are
studied with the aim of uncovering answers the scientific world needs.

Name one person studied through the use of a case study (1)

What were the main findings of the study? (2)

What are the strengths of using this method? (2)
19

What are the limitations? (2)

Are there any ethical issues which should be considered before/during the case study? (2)
Longitudinal Studies

Identify one way in which a longitudinal study is different from a case study (2)

Identify the strengths of a longitudinal study and explain why (3)

Identify the weaknesses of a longitudinal study and explain why (3)
Correlational Studies

What is a correlational study? (2)

Identify two patterns of a correlation (2)
Using the graphs below identify a positive correlation, negative correlation and no-correlation.
20
Positive (1)
Negative (1)
No correlation (1)
Assessment
Using the section on page 8 answer the following questions
1. The psychologist used a field experiment.
(a) Explain what is meant by a ‘field experiment’.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
(b) Outline one advantage of a field experiment.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(2)
21
2.
The psychologist carried out a covert observation. Explain the difference between a covert and
an overt observation.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(3)
You have been asked to carry out an observation to investigate whether 5 year old boys play
differently from 5 year old girls. The theory is that they play with different types of toys, play
different types of games and interact differently in play.
3. Describe one control you would use in this observation.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(3)
4. Briefly outline how you would carry out the observation to investigate whether 5 year old boys
play differently from 5 year old girls.
.................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(3)
5. Describe one weakness of using an observation in this investigation.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................(3)
I have seen the above section and confirm that ........................................ has completed this work to the best of
his/her ability.
.............................................(HOY) ...........................................(parent/guardian).....................................(Miss Espley)
Types of data
Read through the PowerPoint on VLE (B543>Types of data>Qualitative and quantitative data) then
using the types of data hand out (in the same folder as the PowerPoint) complete the following tasks.
Task 1 – Qualitative data
Take each evaluation point and extend fully using example where possible. You get 1 mark for every
evaluative point that you have elaborated. Remember when elaborating you could give examples,
relate to the effect these strengths and weaknesses may have on the results, etc.
Strengths
•Depth detail insight
•Context and so more valid
22
•Meanings and motives
•Does not pigeon hole people
•Less open to bias in that you don’t look for information to back up aims you already have
•Can get new info with open questions
Weaknesses
•Unwieldy
•Behaviour and interviews open to interpretation
• Not usually reliable
•Unrepresentative
Task 2 – Quantitative data
Take each evaluation point and extend fully using example where possible. You get 1 mark for every
evaluative point that you have elaborated. Remember when elaborating you could give examples,
relate to the effect these strengths and weaknesses may have on the results, etc.
Strengths
•Can look for cause and effect
•You can make comparisons see patterns and trends
•Easy to analyse
•Can repeat to test reliability
•Large sample / generalisable
Weaknesses
•Distort the truth
•Lacks validity Pigeon holes doesn’t give scope for full answer
•Does not give context i.e. meanings lack depth and detail
Easy to be bias you are likely to find what you are looking for and statistics from another source may
have a deliberate bias
23