Topic One (1.1): Experiments, Variables, Experimental Designs and Case Studies

Introduction

It is important that you have a good knowledge about the way psychologists study behaviour. In this topic, you will learn about the different types of experiments (natural, field and laboratory) and the various experimental designs, which relates to how you use the participants (independent measure, repeated measures and matched pairs). It is also essential that you understand the different variables that are relevant to field and laboratory experiments – these are the independent (IV) and dependent (DV) variables. All experiments will have hypotheses – the experimental and the null hypothesis. You also need to be able to describe a case study and the methods associated with it.

Read and Make Notes

Read and make notes on pages 5 to 13 in the textbook.

Watch

Watch this video on the types of experiment in psychology:

WATCH – Types of Experiment – Research Methods (YouTube) in Psychology Links to an external site.

Tasks

  • Extend your knowledge by working through these points and resources:

Laboratory Experiments

  • Write out a definition and note two strengths and two weaknesses of this method.
  • Think about the questions at the end of the following PowerPoint:

Download READ – Laboratory Experiments and Experimental Design (PowerPoint)

Field Experiments

  • Write out a definition.
  • Note two strengths and two weaknesses of this method.
  • Work through the following PowerPoint:

Download READ – Field Experiments (PowerPoint)

Watch

Watch this video on variables in experimental research. (N.B. This video refers to another exam board but still provides very useful information.)

WATCH – Variables: Research Methods (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Tasks

Independent and Dependent Variables

  • Make a note of the definitions.
  • Write out an example of each.

Activities in the Book

  • It is important that you complete Questions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b and 11c on page 36 in the textbook.
  • Suggested answers can be found in the digital textbook and in General Resources.

Watch

Watch the following video on aims and hypotheses:

WATCH – A Level Psychology: Types of Hypothesis (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Read and Make Notes

  • Read and make notes on pages 14 to 15 in the textbook on hypotheses:
  • Make notes on the following: aim(s), directional and non-directional hypotheses, null hypotheses.

Tasks

  • Explore pages 30 to 32 in the textbook on longitudinal studies:
  • Add core studies to the relevant boxes as you study them:

Download COMPLETE – Longitudinal/Snapshot Studies Worksheet

Read and Make Notes

Read and make notes on case studies on pages 22 to 23 in the textbook.

Task

Work through the following resource and make notes:

READ – What is a Case Study? (Very Well Mind) Links to an external site.

Watch

Watch the following video on case studies:

WATCH – Case Studies – Research Methods – A Level Psychology (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Glossary

Highlight any new terminology on your glossary.

Activities in the Book

  • It is important that you complete the following questions in the textbook:
    • Questions 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b on page 17;
    • Questions 6a, 6b and 6c on page 24; and
    • Questions 9a, 9b and 9c on page 32.
  • Suggested answers can be found in the digital textbook and in General Resources.

Consolidate

  • Please now have a go at the following exam-style questions on page 61 of the textbook: 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e.
  • Suggested answers can be found in the digital textbook and in General Resources.