OCR A-Level Psychology: Component 1 Research methods overview

What Component 1 demands

Research methods is the toolkit for the whole subject. OCR examines it on its own paper and weaves it through the core studies, so you must choose a method, design a valid study, handle data, select and justify an inferential test, write up a report and judge a study scientifically. The paper rewards precise method vocabulary and confident maths.

This guide covers each dot point in order, then the exam patterns, with matching dot-point pages for practice.

Methods, design and sampling

Methods and design cover the four methods (experiment, self-report, observation, correlation), the laboratory, field and quasi types of experiment, the IV and DV, operationalisation, the three experimental designs (independent groups, repeated measures, matched pairs) and directional, non-directional and null hypotheses. Sampling and ethics cover random, stratified, systematic, opportunity and self-selected sampling, the BPS ethical principles, reliability and validity, and levels of measurement.

Statistics, reports and science

Descriptive and inferential statistics cover central tendency and dispersion, choosing the correct test (sign test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Spearman, chi-square) from level of measurement and design, significance and Type 1 and Type 2 errors. Conducting and reporting research covers pilot studies, the sections of a report, peer review, replication and the features of science (objectivity, falsifiability, paradigms).

Check your knowledge

1. Name and justify the inferential test for nominal data from a related design testing a difference. (3 marks)
2. Explain one strength and one weakness of repeated measures. (4 marks)
3. Calculate the mean of $3, 5, 7, 9, 11$ and state what the standard deviation would add. (3 marks)
4. State two features that make psychology a science. (2 marks)