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Free Study Guide PDF: Research Methods Mind Map for Psychology, AQA A Level, and Sociology

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Free Study Guide PDF: Research Methods Mind Map for Psychology, AQA A Level, and Sociology
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Katie Bruton

@katiebruton_toeo

·

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This research methods mind map study guide provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in research methodology, focusing on experimental design, variable operationalization, and controlling extraneous factors. It covers various types of experiments, sampling techniques, and observational methods, making it an invaluable resource for students studying psychology, sociology, or related fields.

Key points include:

  • Defining and operationalizing variables in research
  • Types of experiments and their characteristics
  • Controlling extraneous variables in experiments
  • Sampling methods and their pros and cons
  • Observational techniques and their applications

This guide serves as an excellent research methods mind map study guide PDF for students preparing for exams or conducting their own research projects.

12/20/2022

696

Aims, Hypothesis, and Variables

This section of the research methods mind map study guide focuses on the fundamental elements of research design. It explains the purpose of an investigation, the formulation of hypotheses, and the identification of variables.

Definition: A hypothesis is a statement made at the start of a study that states the relationship between variables.

The guide distinguishes between directional and non-directional hypotheses:

Example: A directional hypothesis might state, "People who drink energy drinks are more talkative than people who don't."

Variables are categorized into independent, dependent, and confounding variables:

Vocabulary: Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, while dependent variables are measured.

Highlight: Operationalization is crucial in research, involving clearly defining variables so they can be measured.

The concept of confounding variables is introduced, emphasizing their potential impact on research outcomes.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Sampling

This section of the sociology research methods mind map explores various sampling techniques used in research. It defines key terms and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Definition: A sample is a group of people who take part in an investigation, while a population is the entire group of people who are the focus of the researchers' interest.

The guide covers five main sampling methods:

  1. Random Sampling
  2. Opportunity Sampling
  3. Systematic Sampling
  4. Volunteer Sampling
  5. Stratified Sampling

Example: In random sampling, all members of the target population have an equal chance of being selected.

Highlight: While random sampling is free from researcher bias, it can be time-consuming and potentially unrepresentative.

Each sampling method is evaluated for its strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for students learning about operationalizing variables in research methods.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Types of Experiments

This section of the research methods mind map study guide free explores various experimental settings and their characteristics. It covers laboratory, natural, field, and quasi-experiments.

Laboratory experiments:

Highlight: These offer high control of extraneous variables and internal validity but may lack generalizability.

Natural experiments:

Definition: Researchers take advantage of pre-existing independent variables that would have occurred whether the researcher was present or not.

Field experiments:

Example: The independent variable is manipulated in a natural, everyday setting, offering high mundane realism and external validity.

Quasi-experiments:

Vocabulary: These are "almost" experiments, lacking some key ingredients of true experiments.

Each type of experiment is evaluated for its strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive understanding of when to use each method in qualitative research methods mind map study guide.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

View

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Stefan S, iOS User

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SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 11 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

View

Free Study Guide PDF: Research Methods Mind Map for Psychology, AQA A Level, and Sociology
user profile picture

Katie Bruton

@katiebruton_toeo

·

7 Followers

Follow

Free Study Guide PDF: Research Methods Mind Map for Psychology, AQA A Level, and Sociology

This research methods mind map study guide provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in research methodology, focusing on experimental design, variable operationalization, and controlling extraneous factors. It covers various types of experiments, sampling techniques, and observational methods, making it an invaluable resource for students studying psychology, sociology, or related fields.

Key points include:

  • Defining and operationalizing variables in research
  • Types of experiments and their characteristics
  • Controlling extraneous variables in experiments
  • Sampling methods and their pros and cons
  • Observational techniques and their applications

This guide serves as an excellent research methods mind map study guide PDF for students preparing for exams or conducting their own research projects.

12/20/2022

696

Aims, Hypothesis, and Variables

This section of the research methods mind map study guide focuses on the fundamental elements of research design. It explains the purpose of an investigation, the formulation of hypotheses, and the identification of variables.

Definition: A hypothesis is a statement made at the start of a study that states the relationship between variables.

The guide distinguishes between directional and non-directional hypotheses:

Example: A directional hypothesis might state, "People who drink energy drinks are more talkative than people who don't."

Variables are categorized into independent, dependent, and confounding variables:

Vocabulary: Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, while dependent variables are measured.

Highlight: Operationalization is crucial in research, involving clearly defining variables so they can be measured.

The concept of confounding variables is introduced, emphasizing their potential impact on research outcomes.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sampling

This section of the sociology research methods mind map explores various sampling techniques used in research. It defines key terms and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Definition: A sample is a group of people who take part in an investigation, while a population is the entire group of people who are the focus of the researchers' interest.

The guide covers five main sampling methods:

  1. Random Sampling
  2. Opportunity Sampling
  3. Systematic Sampling
  4. Volunteer Sampling
  5. Stratified Sampling

Example: In random sampling, all members of the target population have an equal chance of being selected.

Highlight: While random sampling is free from researcher bias, it can be time-consuming and potentially unrepresentative.

Each sampling method is evaluated for its strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for students learning about operationalizing variables in research methods.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Types of Experiments

This section of the research methods mind map study guide free explores various experimental settings and their characteristics. It covers laboratory, natural, field, and quasi-experiments.

Laboratory experiments:

Highlight: These offer high control of extraneous variables and internal validity but may lack generalizability.

Natural experiments:

Definition: Researchers take advantage of pre-existing independent variables that would have occurred whether the researcher was present or not.

Field experiments:

Example: The independent variable is manipulated in a natural, everyday setting, offering high mundane realism and external validity.

Quasi-experiments:

Vocabulary: These are "almost" experiments, lacking some key ingredients of true experiments.

Each type of experiment is evaluated for its strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive understanding of when to use each method in qualitative research methods mind map study guide.

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ex) To investigate
whether energy
drinks make
People more
taluative
Identifies purpose
of investigation
A condition
in an experiment
indepen

Sign up

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 11 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying