1. What is meant by peer review? (2 marks)

2. Explain why peer review is an important aspect of the scientific process. (4 marks)

Starter Questions…

Define and Evaluate all types of METHODS

Peer Mark Homework

Understand how we can test and improve reliability of a study

Study MethodsLaboratoryA study in an environment where variables are tightly controlled

FieldAny study carried out outside the lab, but where the IV is still deliberately manipulated

NaturalThe environment and IV are naturally occurring

ObservationNaturalistic: in a natural environment, everything is left as normalControlled: Some variables are controlled by the researcherParticipant: The researcher takes part and observes from a Pps PoVNon-participant: The researcher watches the Pps from outside

Study Methods continued…

Questionnaires: A set of questions designed to investigate a topic

Interviews: A structured or unstructured set of Qs that are delivered face-to-face

Case studies: the study of an individual, small group or event, usually using information from a range of sources

Study Methods continued…

Study Designs1. Remember an example of a Lab, Field and Natural

2. Look up two advantages and two disadvantages for each design

Peer Mark Prep&

Hand it

So we will know…

2 Types of Reliability

How do we test them

And how to improve reliability

Being reliable and how to be even more reliable!!

We should be able to observe something time and time again and get the same results…

So… How do we do this?

Types of Reliability

External ReliabilityGetting the same results every time

Test 1: Test-retest

Test 2: Results correlationHigh Correlation coefficient = good reliabilityLow Correlation coefficient = low reliability

The one you already know!!

Types of Reliability

Internal ReliabilityConsistency within a test

Test 1: Split half methodCompare one half of the test with another

Test 2: Inter- or Intra- Observer test• Comparing 1 psychologists observations over time• Comparing 2 psychologists observations of the same

event

Improving Reliability

Take more than one measure from Pps

Pilot studies

Training observers (improving inter-rater reliability)

Careful entry of data

Exam Questions

Replication is one feature of the scientific method. The psychologists decided to replicate this experiment using a larger sample of 250 inexperienced drivers.Explain why replication of this study would be useful. (3 marks) June 13

June 2012

20 mins work – 10 mins peer mark!