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Understanding Psychology Research Methods

E

Eliza Haigh @elizahaigh_ngxf

Psychology research might seem complex, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basic building blocks. These... Show more

xtraneous variablesz-
in extraneous variable is
I variable that has an
effect
on the dependent
variable but is not controlled
fors
↳ Situati

Research Basics and Sampling Methods

Extraneous variables are sneaky factors that can mess up your experiment results without you realising it. They affect what you're measuring (the dependent variable) but aren't part of your actual experiment design.

There are different types to watch out for participant variables (differences between people), situational variables like demand characteristics (when participants guess what you want them to do), and order effects (when doing tasks in a certain sequence affects performance).

Sampling methods help you choose who takes part in your study. Random sampling gives everyone an equal chance of being selected, creating a representative group. Stratified sampling ensures you get proportional representation from different groups in your target population. Volunteer sampling involves putting up adverts and letting people come forward - though this can lead to researcher bias since you're choosing from whoever responds.

Top Tip Remember that good sampling reduces bias and makes your results more reliable!

xtraneous variablesz-
in extraneous variable is
I variable that has an
effect
on the dependent
variable but is not controlled
fors
↳ Situati

Experimental Design and Hypotheses

Laboratory experiments are the gold standard in psychology research. You manipulate the independent variable (what you change), measure the dependent variable (what you're studying), and control everything else in a laboratory setting to discover cause and effect relationships.

Experimental designs come in three main types. Independent measures uses two separate groups - one does condition A, the other does condition B. Repeated measures uses the same group for both conditions. Matched pairs involves pairing up participants based on similar characteristics, then splitting the pairs between conditions.

Your hypothesis needs to be testable and measurable. A directional hypothesis predicts which way results will go, whilst a non-directional hypothesis just predicts there will be a difference. Don't forget your null hypothesis - this states there will be no effect between your variables.

Remember All variables must be operationalised - written in a way that can actually be tested and measured!

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Other

48

1 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Psychology Research Methods

E

Eliza Haigh

@elizahaigh_ngxf

Psychology research might seem complex, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basic building blocks. These fundamentals will help you design proper experiments and understand how psychologists gather reliable data about human behaviour.

xtraneous variablesz-
in extraneous variable is
I variable that has an
effect
on the dependent
variable but is not controlled
fors
↳ Situati

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Research Basics and Sampling Methods

Extraneous variables are sneaky factors that can mess up your experiment results without you realising it. They affect what you're measuring (the dependent variable) but aren't part of your actual experiment design.

There are different types to watch out for: participant variables (differences between people), situational variables like demand characteristics (when participants guess what you want them to do), and order effects (when doing tasks in a certain sequence affects performance).

Sampling methods help you choose who takes part in your study. Random sampling gives everyone an equal chance of being selected, creating a representative group. Stratified sampling ensures you get proportional representation from different groups in your target population. Volunteer sampling involves putting up adverts and letting people come forward - though this can lead to researcher bias since you're choosing from whoever responds.

Top Tip: Remember that good sampling reduces bias and makes your results more reliable!

xtraneous variablesz-
in extraneous variable is
I variable that has an
effect
on the dependent
variable but is not controlled
fors
↳ Situati

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Experimental Design and Hypotheses

Laboratory experiments are the gold standard in psychology research. You manipulate the independent variable (what you change), measure the dependent variable (what you're studying), and control everything else in a laboratory setting to discover cause and effect relationships.

Experimental designs come in three main types. Independent measures uses two separate groups - one does condition A, the other does condition B. Repeated measures uses the same group for both conditions. Matched pairs involves pairing up participants based on similar characteristics, then splitting the pairs between conditions.

Your hypothesis needs to be testable and measurable. A directional hypothesis predicts which way results will go, whilst a non-directional hypothesis just predicts there will be a difference. Don't forget your null hypothesis - this states there will be no effect between your variables.

Remember: All variables must be operationalised - written in a way that can actually be tested and measured!

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Stefan S

iOS user

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Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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