Topic – RESEARCH METHODS
Name of Student: __________________________________________ Year: 10
Sec: _____ Date:
Read below a suggested list of questions to be used as a reference while preparing this
chapter. This will help you attain strong conceptual clarity over the chapter. For exam
type questions, refer to the worksheets and assessment papers. The best way to
understand the concepts discussed in the chapter research methods is through examples
given in the book.
1. DEFINITIONS: All the words given as key words in the textbook.
2. Which is the variable manipulated by the researcher in an investigation?
3. Why is IV manipulated?
4. Give an example of an IV in an investigation.
5. Give an example of the DV from the same investigation used in question 4.
6. Which variable is affected by the IV?
7. Why do we need to operationalise both IV and DV?
8. How is a confounding variable different from extraneous variable?
Ans: An extraneous variable is a variable if not controlled can effect the results of the
study. It can be present in all or some conditions of the study. For example, if you are
examining the influence of caffeine on performance in football, health concerns of the
participants can be an extraneous variable.
Confounding variable is a type of extraneous variable which specifically affects one
condition/ level of the IV more. For example, in the above example, imagine there are
two conditions of the IV. In one level participants were given 5 gms of caffeine and in
the second condition participants were given 10 gms of caffeine. Now if during
condition one game, the weather was pleasant and breezy and in the second condition
game weather is hot and humid, the weather can be considered as a confounding
variable which affects performance, making it difficult to examine the effect of
caffeine on performance.
9. What are the two types of extraneous variables? Give examples
10. What kind of extraneous variable is an order effect?
11. How can investigator’s effect cause demand characteristics?
12. How can participants variables affect the outcome of a study?
13. Name two examples of participants variables.
14. Discuss in detail four ways of controlling situational variables.
15. Describe in detail the three ways of controlling participant variables.
16. How is randomisation different from random allocation?
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17. How is a null hypothesis different from an alternate hypothesis?
18. a. Write a null hypothesis for research to test whether recollection of a series of
number of digits will be better while listening to classical music or jazz music.
Ans: Pg 135
b. Write a directional and non-directional hypothesis for the situation given in question
18a
19. How is a directional hypothesis different from a non-directional hypothesis?
HOW TO WRITE A CORRELATIONAL HYPOTHESIS?
1. While framing a null hypothesis, begin with the phrase, “THERE WILL BE NO
RELATIONSHIP ……..”
2. While framing a direction hypothesis, begin with the phrase, “THERE WILL BE A
CORRELATION BETWEEN………..” when looking for a relationship or
correlation.
3. While framing a non directional hypothesis, begin with phrase, “THERE WILL BE A
NEGATIVE/ POSITIVE CORRELATION BETWEEN……….” (when looking for
relationship/correlation)
HOW TO WRITE A CORRELATIONAL HYPOTHESIS?
1. In a null hypothesis when looking for a difference will begin with the phrase, “There
will be no difference in …………”
2. In directional hypothesis when looking for a difference, let the statement be
comparative. Ex: Adults will recall more digits than children.
3. In non-directional hypothesis, when looking for a difference, use the phrase “There
will be a difference in ……”
***
20. How is a sample different from a target population? (Learn examples of each for
further clarity)
METHODS OF SAMPLING: HOW TO LEARN THIS TOPIC?
1. Memorise the definition of the methods
2. Reference an example to understand how the method is carried out in real life
3. Identify and memorise all the strengths and weaknesses of the methods
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21. How is an independent measure design different from a repeated and a matched pairs
design? (Memorise the table on Pg 138)
22. Why is reliability important?
23. Can standardisation affect reliability?
24. Why is reliability in sampling method important?
25. Why is reliability in experimental designs important?
26. How is internal validity different from external validity?
27. Why is validity in sampling method important?
28. Why is validity in experimental designs important?
29. What are the strengths and weakness of qualitative data? (Learn from Pg 140 and
162)
30. What are the strengths and weakness of quantitative data? (Learn from Pg 140 and
162)
31. How can researchers ensure reliability in qualitative and quantitative data?
32. How can researchers ensure validity in qualitative and quantitative data?
33. Describe the four key principles on which ethical guidelines for research are based.
34. Explain informed consent.
35. Explain deception.
36. Explain confidentiality.
37. Explain right to withdraw.
38. Explain protection of participants.
39. How is primary analysis different from secondary analysis? (memorise the table
content on pg 161)
UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH METHODS: HOW TO LEARN THIS TOPIC?
1. Learn the definition of the method.
2. Identify all its key characteristics as given in the book and memorise.
3. Explain each strength and weakness.
4. Focus on using psychological terminologies like reliability, social desirability,
observer bias, demand characteristics.
DATA ANALYSIS
1. Practice worksheet and past paper questions
2. Read through the book and attempt the questions in the book
3. Memorise the key words.
4. Practice graphs from worksheets, Textbook and past papers
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