1B- scientific methodologies Flashcards
case study definition
an in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or particular phenomenon
(activity, behaviour, event, or problem) that contains a real or hypothetical situation and
includes the complexities that would be encountered in the real world.
experiment definition
when a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables is measured in a controlled environment
correlation study definition
a type of non-experimental
study in which researchers
observe and measure the
relationship between two
or more variables without
any active control or
manipulation of them
Classification definition
the arrangement of
phenomena, objects,
or events into
manageable sets
identification definition
a process
of recognition of
phenomena as belonging
to particular sets or
possibly being part of
a new or unique set
fieldwork definition
any research
involving observation and
interaction with people
and environments in real-world settings, conducted
beyond the laboratory
Literature review definition
refers to the process of collating and analysing secondary data related to
other people’s scientific findings and/or viewpoints, in order to answer a question or provide
background information to help explain observed events, or as preparation for an investigation
to generate primary data.
Modelling definition
refers to the construction and/or manipulation of either a physical model, such as
a small- or large-scale representation of an object, or a conceptual model that represents
a system, involving concepts that help people know, understand, or simulate the system.
Product, process or system development definition
refers broadly to the design
or evaluation of an artifact, process, or system to meet a human need, which may involve
technological applications, in addition to scientific knowledge and procedures.
simulation definition
refers to the process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system.
experimental group definition
refers to the group of participants in an experiment who are exposed to a manipulated independent variable (i.e. a specific intervention or treatment).
controlled group definition
refers to the group of participants in an experiment who receive no experimental treatment or intervention in order to serve as a baseline for comparison
within-subjects design definition
an experimental design in which participants complete every
experimental condition.
between-subjects design definition
an experimental design in which individuals are divided into
different groups and complete only one experimental condition
Mixed method design definition
an experimental design
which combines elements
of within-subjects and
between-subjects designs
extraneous variable definition
is any variable that is not the independent variable but may cause an unwanted effect on the
dependent variable
controlled experiment advantages
.They allow researchers to infer causal
relationships between, and draw conclusions
about, specific variables.
* They provide researchers with a high level of
control over conditions and variables.
* They follow a strictly controlled procedure so
it can be repeated to check results.
* They can allow researchers to test hypotheses
more quickly than in real-world settings.
* The high control of variables may mean
prevention of extraneous and confounding
variables.
controlled experiment disadvantages
- As they are often conducted in a laboratory or
highly controlled setting, the setting may not be
reflective of real life. This may affect participants’
responses. - Because experiments involve human control
and manipulation of variables, they are open to
researcher error or ‘experimenter effects’. - It can be time-consuming and expensive to
manipulate and measure certain variables. - Confounding or extraneous variables can still occur.
case study advantages
- They provide highly detailed, rich information
about a particular phenomenon under study.
This can also provide new knowledge about
other phenomena, e.g. studying brain trauma
may inform us about brain function. - They allow phenomena, including rare
phenomena, to be examined in depth, which can
provide ideas for future studies and hypotheses. - They can incorporate other scientific
methodologies to gain data
case study disadvantages
- Results cannot be generalised (applied) to a wider
population, as case studies often only involve a
small group of people or one person. - Case studies are subject to researcher bias and
errors, as often one or only a few researchers. - It can be difficult to draw conclusions about cause
and effect. - Case studies can be time-consuming.
correlation study advantages
- There is no manipulation of variables required.
- They can provide ideas for future hypotheses
and research, as well as form the basis for
theories. - They can provide information about the
relationships and associations between
variables. - They can be conducted in naturalistic settings,
so findings are applicable to real work.
correlation study disadvantages
Their results cannot draw conclusions about cause
and effect.
* They can be subject to the influence of extraneous
variables
classification and identification advantages
- It provides a common language to
communicate about scientific phenomena. - It helps to simplify, explain and describe
complex phenomena. - It allows scientists to form more targeted
solutions or interventions to real problems. - It allows researchers to form theories and
hypotheses about labelled phenomena.
classification and identification disadvantages
- It can over-simplify reality.
- Labels and language can be inaccurate and
create bias.
fieldwork advantages
It can be conducted in naturalistic settings, so
findings are more applicable to the real world.
This means it has high ecological validity.
* Fieldwork provides rich, detailed data.
* Fieldwork can use a broad range of different
methodologies depending on the object of
inquiry and resourcing needs.
* As it can occur over a longer time period,
it can uncover information that may not
be immediately obvious to researchers and
participants.
feildwork disadvantages
- It can be time-consuming and expensive to conduct
and then record data. - It can generally not inform conclusions about cause
and effect. - Due to lengthy procedures in a real-world setting,
fieldwork is difficult to replicate in order to verify
results. - It is difficult to control the environment and
extraneous variables, as researchers do not
precisely manipulate variables.
literature review advantages
- It provides background information on
specific phenomena that can inform new
studies and hypotheses. - It allows researchers to understand the
current ‘state of play’ for a specific object of
inquiry and answer questions. - Through information synthesis, it may uncover
patterns of knowledge or gaps of knowledge.
literature review disadvantages
- It may be time-consuming.
- It may be difficult to do if little research has been
done on a topic.
modeling advantages
- It can provide explanatory tools.
- Physical modelling allows researchers to
know, understand and problem solve. - Conceptual modelling can simplify and explain
certain phenomena.
modeling disadvantages
As models are often used to simplify and
communicate ideas, they may over-simplify or
inaccurately represent reality.
product, process, or system development advantages
- It creates products, processes and systems that
may meet a human need.
product, process, or system development disadvantages
- It can be expensive and time-consuming
simulation advantages
- Simulation provides insight into potential
circumstances and events. - It allows researchers to view micro, hard-tosee phenomena, such as neurons, in detail.
- It allows researchers to see events that might
otherwise be too time-consuming, dangerous
or impractical to see in reality.
simulation disadvantages
- It can be time-consuming and expensive.
- It is subject to programming and human error
so may not always be an accurate prediction or
reflection of reality.
