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EnglandPsychology

Topic 11: Research methods

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do psychologists analyse and present the data they collect?

Data analysis: types of data, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and the range, percentages, ratios and fractions, and ways of displaying data such as bar charts and tables.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 11, covering data analysis: types of data, measures of central tendency, the range, percentages, ratios and fractions, and displaying data.
11 min answer →

How do psychologists design research to test their ideas?

Designing psychological research: aims and hypotheses (including null and alternative), experimental designs, types of experiment, and other research methods such as observations, questionnaires and case studies.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 11, covering how research is designed: aims and hypotheses (null and alternative), experimental designs, types of experiment, and other methods.
10 min answer →

What ethical rules must psychologists follow when studying people and animals?

Ethical issues in psychological research: consent, deception, protection from harm, confidentiality and the right to withdraw, the use of animals, and how researchers deal with these issues.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 11, covering ethical issues in research: consent, deception, protection from harm, confidentiality, the right to withdraw, the use of animals, and how they are dealt with.
9 min answer →

How do psychologists choose participants and control variables?

Sampling methods (random, opportunity, stratified, systematic) and variables (independent, dependent and extraneous variables), and how variables are controlled.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 11, covering sampling methods (random, opportunity, stratified, systematic) and variables (independent, dependent, extraneous) and how they are controlled.
10 min answer →