Psychology - Knowledge Bank

Scientific Process

A systematic approach to gain & verify knowledge

Phenomenon

An observable experience that can be analysed

Hypothesis

A statement which tries to predict the outcome of the experiment/study

Variable

A stimulus or object that affects the other, known as the cause & affect

Primary Research

Data collected by the researcher for the purpose of the study

Secondary Research

Data collected by someone else

Qualitative Research

Research is used to investigate events, behaviour or emotion by observations or interviews

Quantitative

Research is used to collect data in the form of numbers, by being collected objectively.

Sampling

A group of individuals that are chosen to participate in a particular psychology research investigation

Reliability

A consistent set of results after tests.

Validity

The credibility of the research, showing what a test claims to measure

Ethical Issues

Concerns & Considerations related to the moral & ethical treatment of the participants & the conduct od the research

What is the purpose of psychological research? (4)

To improve peoples lives, inform policy and practise, extend knowledge and identifying gaps in provisions

(Main) Issues researched in Psychological Research? (4)

Improvement of practise and provision, health trends, strategies for supporting mental health and establishing causes and cures of diseases in treatments

Empirical Evidence

Knowledge gained through experience

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing conclusions from facts & examples

Deductive Reasoning

Starting with a conclusion & then presenting facts & examples.

Null Hypothesis

predicts no relationship between the two variables

Alternative Hypothesis

Predicts what is expected to be found (i.e in comparisons)

Opportunity Sampling

Use of people from target population willing and able to take part.

Volunteer Sampling

Asking for willings volunteers to take part

Random Sampling

Everyone in target population has an equal chance of being selected

snowballing

A way to identify a participant and then ask the person to suggest other suitable participants