Welcome to Planning Your Own Study!

In Paper 2, Section B, you get to be the psychologist. You will be given a scenario and asked to design an original study to investigate it. This is worth 14 marks, so it's a big deal! Think of it like writing a detailed recipe—it needs to be so clear that another researcher could follow it exactly and get the same results.

Don't worry if this feels overwhelming. We are going to break down the "ingredients" you need for every type of plan.

1. The "Big Three" General Features

No matter what method you choose (experiment, observation, etc.), every plan must include these three things:

  • The Procedure: This is a step-by-step "to-do list" of what happens. Where is it? What do the participants do? How long does it take?
  • Validity and Reliability: How will you make sure your study is accurate (validity) and consistent (reliability)? For example, will you use a standardized script so everyone hears the same thing?
  • Types of Data: Will you collect quantitative data (numbers/scores) or qualitative data (descriptions/words)? You should explain how you will collect it.

2. Method-Specific Requirements

The syllabus requires specific details depending on which method you are asked to use. Here is your checklist for each:

A. Experiments

If you are planning an experiment, you must define:

  • Independent Variable (IV): What are you changing? You must name both levels (e.g., "drinking caffeine" vs. "drinking water").
  • Dependent Variable (DV): What are you measuring? (e.g., "score on a memory test from \(0\) to \(20\)").
  • Experimental Design: Will you use independent measures (different people in each group), repeated measures (same people do both), or matched pairs?
  • Controls and Standardization: What will you keep the same to make it fair? (e.g., the temperature of the room).
  • Location: If it's a field experiment, where exactly is it happening?

B. Self-Reports (Questionnaires and Interviews)

When asking people questions, focus on:

  • Question Format: Will you use open questions (long answers) or closed questions (fixed choices)?
  • Example Questions: You must provide at least one or two actual questions you would ask participants.
  • Scoring: How do you turn answers into data? (e.g., "1 point for every 'yes' answer").
  • Technique: Is it a face-to-face interview, a telephone call, or an online questionnaire?

C. Case Studies

Case studies look at one person or a small group in depth. Your plan needs:

  • Participant Details: Who are they? (Remember: keep them anonymous!).
  • Two or More Techniques: You can't just use one method. You might use an interview and an observation.
  • Triangulation: This is a fancy word for comparing data from different methods to see if they match up. This increases validity.

D. Correlations

Correlations look for a relationship between two things. You need:

  • Two Co-variables: What two things are you measuring? (e.g., "hours of sleep" and "test scores").
  • Measuring the Variables: How will you get a score for each? (e.g., "using a sleep diary" and "a 10-question math quiz").
  • No Causality: Remember, you cannot say one thing caused the other!

E. Longitudinal Studies

These studies happen over a long period. You need to include:

  • Frequency: How often will you check in on the participants? (e.g., once a month for five years).
  • Tests and Scoring: What tests will they take each time?
  • Re-contacting: How will you keep in touch with them so they don't drop out?

Note: For "Observations," focus on your coding system (how you'll record behavior) and whether you are a participant or non-participant observer.

3. Evaluating Your Plan

In Paper 2, after you write your plan, you will be asked to evaluate it. This means looking for strengths and weaknesses.

Important! In Paper 2, you do not need to evaluate ethics or the sample. Instead, focus on:

  • Validity: Does your plan actually measure what it's supposed to? Are there demand characteristics (where participants guess the aim and change their behavior)?
  • Reliability: Is your procedure standardized? If you did it again, would you get the same results? (Replicability).
  • Practical Issues: Is it too expensive? Does it take too much time? Is it difficult to find the right equipment?
Quick Review: The Evaluation "V.R.P."

To remember what to evaluate, think of V.R.P.:

V = Validity (Accuracy)
R = Reliability (Consistency)
P = Practical Issues (Is it doable?)

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being Vague: Don't just say "I will give them a test." Say "I will give them a 20-minute multiple-choice test on psychology terminology."
  • Forgetting the DV: Always explain how you are measuring your results. If it's a score, what is the range? (e.g., \(0\) to \(10\)).
  • Mixing up Aims and Procedures: The syllabus says aims and hypotheses are not required for the Paper 2 plan. Jump straight into the "how-to" of your study.

Key Takeaways

1. Detail is King: Every step must be clear enough for someone else to replicate.

2. Match the Method: If it's an experiment, focus on IV/DV. If it's a self-report, focus on questions/scoring.

3. Focus Evaluation on V.R.P.: Stick to Validity, Reliability, and Practical issues when critiquing your own plan.

Ready for a challenge? Look at a core study like Milgram (obedience) and try to describe its procedure as if you were writing a plan from scratch!