Clever Grades

🎧 Read Aloud

Research Procedures in Psychology

Procedural Overview

1

Introduction

Reliability, validity, and replicability of experiments.
2

Standard Procedures

Instructions, environment, and administration consistency.
3

Controlling Variables

Randomisation, counterbalancing, and managing extraneous variables.

Procedure Checklist

✓

Standardisation

Using the same procedures, instructions, and environment for all participants.
✓

Bias Reduction

Randomisation used to eliminate systematic bias.

Key Terminology

🎲

Randomisation

Using chance to reduce bias in experimental design.
🔄

Counterbalancing

Varying the order of conditions to control order effects.
⚠️

Extraneous Variables

Variables other than the IV that might affect the DV.
🔬

Internal Validity

Ensured accuracy of the relationship between IV and DV.

The Goal of Procedure

Why this matters

Research procedures in psychology involve standardized and structured steps to ensure reliability, validity, and replicability of experiments. Clear, precise instructions help participants understand their tasks, minimising confusion or differing interpretations that could affect performance.

The Control Discussion

🤔
Wait, why is random allocation so critical for validity?
🦉
Random assignment ensures each participant has an equal chance to be in any condition, which helps distribute participant variables evenly and enhances internal validity.

Reliability Equation

Reliability = Standardisation - Administration Variability
Using the same procedures, instructions, and environment for all participants reduces variability caused by differences in administration, increasing reliability.

Procedural Insight

💡

The Confounding Threat: If extraneous variables are uncontrolled, they can confound the results, leading to false conclusions about the relationship between IV and DV.

Controlling vs. Ignoring

✅
Control StrategiesStandardise procedures to keep testing conditions consistent. Use randomisation and counterbalancing to control order effects.
❌
Risk of Ignoring EVTheir presence can threaten the internal validity of the study. If uncontrolled, they can confound the results.

The Control Ledger

Procedure Target Outcome
Standardise Procedures Reduced Variability
Random Assignment Distributes Participant Variables
Counterbalancing Controls Order Effects
Total Goal Enhanced Internal Validity

Controlling Extraneous Variables

Summary of methods used to minimise the impact of uncontrolled variables.

ID Method Target Design Type Goal Bias Rdx Validity Req
01 Standardise Admin All Consistency High High Must
02 Randomise Bias All Eliminate High High Must
03 Counterbalance Order Effects Repeated Control Medium Medium Needed
04 Matched Pairs Indiv Diff Between Constant High High Optl
Psychology Research Methods
Term
Standardized Procedures

What is the purpose of using standardized procedures in psychology research?

Answer
Purpose

To reduce variability and increase reliability by ensuring consistent administration across participants.

Term
Clear Instructions

Why are clear instructions important for participants?

Answer
Importance

They help minimise confusion and differing interpretations, which could affect performance.

Term
Randomisation

What does randomisation achieve in experimental design?

Answer
Benefit

It reduces bias by using chance to assign participants or present stimuli.

Term
Random Allocation

What is the benefit of random allocation to conditions?

Answer
Benefit

It distributes participant variables evenly, improving internal validity.

Term
Counterbalancing

How does counterbalancing control order effects?

Answer
Control Method

By varying the order in which participants experience conditions.

Term
Extraneous Variables

What are extraneous variables?

Answer
Definition

Variables other than the independent variable that might influence the dependent variable.

Term
Controlling Extraneous Variables

Why is controlling extraneous variables important?

Answer
Importance

To avoid confounding results and ensure valid conclusions about relationships between variables.

Term
Methods to Control Extraneous Variables

Name one method to control extraneous variables.

Answer
Methods

Standardising procedures, randomisation, counterbalancing, using matched pairs, or holding conditions constant.

Tip: Tap a card to flip. Shuffle or Reset anytime.

🌸 Nature Quiz

1. Why is random allocation important in experiments?

Random allocation prevents systematic differences between groups, enhancing internal validity.

2. What is counterbalancing used to control?

Counterbalancing varies condition order to prevent the order from influencing results.

3. Which procedure helps minimise confusion among participants?

Clear instructions ensure participants understand tasks, reducing variability in performance.

4. What can uncontrolled extraneous variables cause?

Extraneous variables can affect the dependent variable, making it unclear if results are due to the IV.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • GCSE
  • Research Methods
  • AQA