BLOA - how and why particular research methods are used in BLOA

Question 1

research methods used in BLOA

Answer 1

• experimental studies (using scientific method)
• case studies
• correlational studies

Question 2

experimental studies

Answer 2

• manipulates the IV to test its effect on a DV
• used because they show clear causation between variables
• thus showing clear determinism
• can easily isolate cognitive processes

Example: Bock and Goode (1996)

Question 3

example of a typical experimental study

Answer 3

Bock and Goode (1996)

• engineered genetic mutant mice with abnormally few serotonin receptors
• to study the effect of serotonin on aggression

IV: amount of serotonin receptors
DV: number of bites/attacks

Question 4

case studies

Answer 4

• offers detailed insight into rare disorders caused by biological problems
• collects as many details as possible
• produces rich and personal data
• high ecological validity but cannot be generalized to the entire population

Example: Sacks (2007)

Question 5

example of a typical case study

Answer 5

Sacks (2007)

• studied the musician Clive Wearing
• suffers retrograde and anterograde amnesia

Question 6

correlational studies

Answer 6

• doesn’t necessarily involve the manipulation of IV
• takes score on 2 or more measures and works out the relationship between them
• this approach is central to twin studies
• in twin studies the correlation represents the likelihood of the other twin having a particular characteristic that one of the twins is known to have

Example: Zietsch et al. (2008)

Question 7

example of a typical correlational study

Answer 7

Zietsch et al. (2008)

• mailed surveys to 5000 identical twins
• to investigate the extent to which homosexuality affects attractiveness perceived by the opposite sex