6 Research Methods Flashcards
Falsifiability
The possibility that a statement or hypothesis can be proved wrong
Objectivity
Measurement of data is not affected by the expectations of the researcher
Replicability
Recording procedures carefully in order for another researcher to repeat them and verify the original results
Empirical Methods
Methods of gaining knowledge which rely on direct observation or testing (not hearsay or rational argument)
Laboratory Experiments
Taken place in a controlled environment, where variables can be carefully manipulated
Strengths of Lab Study
-high internal validity (controls CV’s and EV’s, cause-and-effect shown)
-more repliciable as there are controlled procedures
Weaknesses of a lab study
-low internal validity (demand characteristics)
-low external validity (generalisability and mundane realism)
-low ecological validity
Field Experiments
Conducted in a natural setting, where the IV is still deliberately manipulated by the researcher
Strengths of Field Study
-higher external validity (realism)
-high ecological validity
-lack of demand characteristics
Weaknesses of a Field study
-lower internal validity (less controlled) - less easy to replicate
-ethical issues (consent not possible)
Natural Experiment
conducted when it is not possible, for ethical, or practical reasons, to deliberately manipulate the IV - it occurs naturally
Strengths of Natural Experiment
-high external validity (real-world application)
-only option for ethical reasons
-less bias
Weaknesses of a natural experiment
-no manipulation of IV means you cannot be sure of the relationship between IV and DV (causal relationship)
-no random allocation (CV)
Quasi-Experiments
IV is simply the difference between people that exist, gender, age , disorder , etc.
Strengths of Quasi-Experiment
-can be carried out in a lab
-allows us to have a comparison between 2 people
