Observational Techniques

This final section of the research methods mind map study guide PDF focuses on observational techniques in research. It covers different settings and approaches to observation.

Naturalistic vs. Controlled Settings:

Definition: Naturalistic settings are where behavior would usually occur, while controlled settings involve a structured environment.

Highlight: Naturalistic observations offer high external validity but lack control over extraneous variables.

Covert vs. Overt Observation:

Vocabulary: In covert observation, participants are unaware they're being studied, while in overt observation, they know their behavior is being watched.

Participant vs. Non-Participant Observation:

Example: In participant observation, the researcher becomes a member of the observed group, potentially gaining deeper insights but risking loss of objectivity.

This section provides a comprehensive overview of observational techniques, essential for students studying qualitative research methods mind map study guide.

Experimental Designs

This page focuses on different experimental designs, a crucial aspect of the AQA A Level Psychology Research Methods mind map. It covers three main designs: independent groups, repeated measures, and matched pairs.

Independent Groups:

Definition: Two separate groups of participants experience two different levels of the experiment.

Highlight: This design allows for random allocation and avoids order effects, but individual differences between groups can be a concern.

Repeated Measures:

Example: All participants experience both conditions, and the two sets of data are compared.

Vocabulary: Counterbalancing is used to deal with potential order effects in this design.

Matched Pairs:

Definition: Participants are paired on a matched variable, with one member of each pair assigned to each condition.

This design attempts to control participant variables while maintaining the benefits of independent groups.

The guide provides a balanced view of each design's strengths and weaknesses, essential for students creating a research mind map.

Control of Variables

This page delves into the critical aspect of controlling extraneous variables in experiments psychology. It explains various types of extraneous variables and methods to control them.

Definition: Extraneous variables are any variables that you're not investigating that can potentially affect the outcome of the study.

The guide discusses several types of extraneous variables:

1. Demand characteristics
2. Participant variables
3. Situational variables
4. Investigator effects

Example: Participant variables might include personality, age, or gender.

Methods for controlling these variables are outlined:

• Single blind technique
• Double blind technique
• Randomization
• Standardization

Highlight: The double blind technique, where neither the participants nor the experimenter know who is receiving which treatment, is particularly effective in controlling extraneous variables in experiments.