All Definitions (Research Methods)

Question 1

Case studies

Answer 1

A detailed study of a particular person/persons or event, usually yielding a large amount of information.

Question 2

Content analysis

Answer 2

A research tool used to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data.

Question 3

Controlled observation

Answer 3

A type of observation where participants are observed in a lab, increasing control and reliability but decreasing ecological validity.

Question 4

Correlation

Answer 4

The extent to which two variables are associated.

Question 5

Covert observation

Answer 5

A type of observation where the observer is hidden and therefore participants do not know they are being observed. While this does reduce demand characteristics, it can raise ethical issues around consent.

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

A type of investigation wherein a hypothesis is tested by manipulation of an independent variable, in order to view its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 7

Field experiment

Answer 7

A type of experiment that is conducted in a real life setting, which reduces the amount of control over extraneous variables, however the ecological validity is improved.

Question 8

Interviews

Answer 8

A self-report technique wherein participants are asked questions by an interviewer, which allows for flexibility in information gathered.

Question 9

Lab experiment

Answer 9

A type of experiment that is conducted in a g highly controlled environment, allowing control over extraneous variables at the expense of ecological validity.

Question 10

Natural experiment

Answer 10

A type of experiment in which an independent variable that already exists is tested in its natural environment, greatly reducing the control of extraneous variables. This type of experiment allows for investigation of variables that cannot ethically be created.

Question 11

Naturalistic observation

Answer 11

A type of observation where participants are observed in their natural environment, increasing ecological validity but decreasing the amount of control over extraneous variables.

Question 12

Non-participant observation

Answer 12

A type of observation where the observer does not join the group under observation. This allows for higher objectivity but reduces the insight that could be achieved with a participant observation.

Question 13

Observation

Answer 13

A type of data collection wherein participants’ behaviour is observed

Question 14

Overt observation

Answer 14

A type of observation where the participants know they are under observation. This preserves informed consent but may increase demand characteristics.

Question 15

Participant observation

Answer 15

A type of observation where the observer joins the group under observation. This form of observation yields highly valuable qualitative information with insight, but can reduce the objectivity of the researcher.

Question 16

Quasi experiment

Answer 16

See “natural experiment”

Question 17

Questionnaires

Answer 17

A self-report technique wherein participants answer pre-decided questions, in the form of paper or electronically. This form of self-report allows for anonymity.

Question 18

Structured interviews

Answer 18

A form of interview wherein questions are pre-set beforehand, with no flexibility. Usually, these consist of closed questions, and allows for replicability.

Question 19

Unstructured interviews

Answer 19

A form of interview wherein questions may be set beforehand, but the interviewer is allowed flexibility in the form of a natural conversation.