1. Research Methods and Techniques Flashcards
Experiments: Lab Experiments
Experiments whereby the experimenter controls the setting as well as manipulates the independent variable.
Strengths: Control in a laboratory experiment will produce scientific research which ensure the only variable being manipulated is the one controlling the behaviour.
Weaknesses: Have less ecological validity as the setting is artificial and does not reflect real life, therefore the behaviour could also be considered artificial.
Experiments: Field Experiment
Experiments that take place in real life settings.
Strengths: Offer a more realistic setting for a study, and therefore has more ecological validity.
Weaknesses: Lack of control can mean it is difficult to assume that the variable manipulated was actually influencing the behaviour, instead of other factors.
Experiments: Quasi Experiment
Can take place in any setting, but the experimenter cannot control the independent variable.
Strengths: Allows us to study the effects of the variables we cannot manipulate or change on behaviour e.g. biological factors.
Weaknesses: No control over the participants, in terms of social setting, how they were brought up, lifestyle ect., and these may be confounding variables which influence behaviour.
Observation: Structured
Observations with imposed structures to meet the aim of their observation and create an observational system for recording the data.
S: This focuses the study and increases its usefulness and objectivity. Allows comparisons to be made across each observation and trends in the data to be more easily seen.
W: Once you start noting down behaviour, you are at risk of missing something important.
Observation: Unstructured
In an unstructured observation, the researcher/observer continuously records and reports on behaviour, noting everything that happens.
S: A lot of data is collected.
W: There might be too much going on and so many things to record that the observation isn’t very successful. The data gathered may be too dense and detailed to reveal anything to the observer.
Observation: Naturalistic
Observation which is carried out in the field giving you a chance to observe natural behaviour.
S: You can observe normal, realistic behaviour.
W: There may be other factors influencing the behaviour
Observation: Controlled
A controlled observation controls all the possible factors which might alter the behaviour, and which might therefore hide (or confound) the behaviour caused by the IV. E.g. Bandar ensured that the toys in the third room were set up in the same place for each child, so if they were tempted to play with the first toy they saw it would be the same.
S: Reduces the likelihood of confounding variables affecting the data.
W: Makes the situation somewhat artificial.
Observation: Participant
A method of gathering data through observation, where observers are actually, or pretending, to be part of the group they are observing.
S: You have a good vantage point for your observations. Also, as an ‘insider’ you can get an insight into the experience yourself, and gather more detail.
W: Your presence may change the course of the events you are observing, particularly if the participants know you are observing their behaviour. Also, if you are involved for too long, you may become too involved and it is possible that your observations will become too objective.
Observation: Non-participant
Where the observer is not a member of the group being studied or playing a part of another person in the group.
S: You may remain more objective about what is being observed.
W: You may not have the same insight into the behaviour as you would if you were a participant observer.
Observation: Overt
Overt observation is where the participant knows he/she is being observed and has either given their consent or is aware of being observed because of the observer’s presence.
S: Makes it possible to carry out ethical research.
W: May cause demand characteristics.
Observation: Covert
Covert observation is where the participant does not know that he/she is being observed.
S: Natural behaviour can be observed. You are sampling real behaviour.
W: It is unethical and this can result in negative social effects.
Self Report: Questionnaires
A set of questions that are usually completed as pen and paper tests but can be done over the internet or phone.
S: Enables a great deal of data to be gathered from a large sample very quickly, making it cost and time effective as a method of data collection.
W: It is often hard to ask a question in the right way so it is unbiased and will collect the information required.
Self Report: Interviews, Structured
Where the same set of questions is asked to each participant in the same order. Often researchers will not show any expression or interest.
S: Easier to gather qualitative data and is possible to analyse it and draw trends.
W: It is artificial and the respondent may not feel free to add or explain their answers.
Self Report: Interviews, Unstructured
This is where the researcher has topics to discuss but these don’t have to be in the same order for each participant. It is more like a conversation.
S: Being more like a regular conversation, it has higher ecological validity and provides rich and detailed information.
W: Due to a broad range of topics it can often be hard to summarise and compare data.
Self Report: Interview, Semi Structured
Where the interviewer has a list of questions but he may ask for clarification when needed.
