P1.R Research methods — Topic Overview
Research methods underpin the whole of GCSE Psychology. You need to understand how psychological studies are designed, conducted, analysed and evaluated.
The scientific method
Psychology uses the scientific method: observe → hypothesis → design study → collect data → analyse → conclude → peer review. Hypotheses must be falsifiable (testable and potentially provable wrong). Studies must be reliable (replicable) and valid (measure what they claim to measure).
Research designs
| Method | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Lab experiment | High control; cause-effect; replicable | Low ecological validity; demand characteristics |
| Field experiment | More ecological validity | Less control; ethical issues |
| Natural experiment | Studies real-world events | No random allocation; cause-effect limited |
| Observation (natural) | High ecological validity | Low control; observer bias; ethics |
| Self-report (questionnaire/interview) | Large samples; cost-effective | Social desirability; response bias |
| Correlation | Can study variables not amenable to experiment | Cannot establish cause-effect |
| Case study | Rich, detailed data; studies rare phenomena | Low generalisability; researcher bias |
Key concepts
Variables: independent variable (IV — what is changed), dependent variable (DV — what is measured), extraneous variables (controlled), confounding variables (affect DV alongside IV).
Sampling: random (every member has equal chance), opportunity (whoever is available), volunteer/self-selected (people who respond to an advert).
Ethics (BPS guidelines): informed consent, deception (minimise), right to withdraw, confidentiality, protection from harm, debriefing.
Data: quantitative (numerical — averages, ranges, graphs) vs qualitative (words — themes, quotes). Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode); measures of spread (range).
Exam focus
- Identify IV and DV in a described study
- Design a study and justify methodology choices
- Evaluate studies using reliability, validity, ethics and generalisability
- Suggest improvements to study designs
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