Week 4

Investigation Method Justification

Is it better to learn to drive on an intensive 1 week course of 40 hours or to learn in 20 2-hour lessons that are spread over 20 weeks?

Field experiment IV is manipulated (intensive course in 1 week/lessons spread

over 20 weeks) but will take place in Pts natural

environment. DV is whether they pass their driving test or

not

What is it like experiencing being a first-time father in the first month following the baby’s birth?

Interview Need to access in-depth information of a personal

nature. Interview will allow a rapport to be built.

What are people’s views and attitudes to a proposal to build a large casino in their town?

Questionnaire Sampling a large number of respondents on attitudes

(target population = residents)

Does an increasing use of the Internet link with academic performance?

Correlational analysis using a questionnaire

2 co-variables: numbers of hours of internet use per week

and academic achievement (measure using GCSE grades)

Do the dreams of boys and girls differ in content?

Natural experiment using content analysis for dream

diaries

IV is gender (boy/girl) therefore cannot be manipulated. Diaries will gather qualitative data that could be analysed according to

themes

What are the language skills of a child who has no contact with peers until the age of twelve?

Case study Unique investigation of an individual (not possible to study

due to ethical issues) using a variety of methods, including

experiment, obs, interview

Do children learn aggressive behaviour from the TV?

Laboratory experiment IV: watch violent film/watch non-violent film. DV: no of aggressive acts in 10 mins oberved in isolated room

With your partner:

1.Define the key terms above.2.What types of validity are there?3.How do we check if research is ‘reliable’?

Complete pages 21 – 23 using the next 2 slides and then your own knowledge

Measure of consistency

Internal: consistency within a test

Assessed using: Split-half method – used for questionnaires, questions on test divided in half and score on each half is compared. If test has internal reliability then scores should be similar. Qs that do not produce consistent results are removed/replaced

External: ability to produce same results if test is carried out on similar people under similar conditions

Test re-test – repeated at a different time under similar conditions with similar Pts

Simultaneous observation – 2 observers watch at same time using standardised procedures and operationalised behavioural checklist; comparisons of behaviour measured using % or correlation (should be 80% agreement or a positive correlation)

Replication – similar to test re-test; if study’s results are reliable then should be repeatable

Careful design – control of EVs and standardised procedures

Answer the questions on page 22

Fill in page 23 using your AS notes and an A2 textbook

Answer the 4 questions at the bottom of page 23

Complete page 24 by defining the key terms provided (this is ALL revision from last year, nothing new)

Make own revision notes on reliability and validity

Optional: Attempt past paper questions on reliability and validity

Next lesson: feedback on features of science exam question, another timed question on AS work, collection of AS booklets, designing studies, ethics and graphs