Booklet 4 part 3 Flashcards
content analysis, correlations, case studies, reliability and validity
What is quantitative content analysis?
Used to analyse qualitative data
Turns it into quantitative data
Researcher devises ‘coding units’
Counts number of times each coding unit appears
What is thematic analysis?
Form of content analysis
Data stays qualitative
Researcher looks for recurring themes and reports them in their qualitative form
If data is verbal, transcript must be written first
What do correlational studies investigate?
The extent to which two data sets are related
However, cannot conclude causality
What are the variables in correlational studies called and why?
Co-variables
One variable doesn’t directly influence the other
What are the three types of correlation?
Positive- as one variable increases so does the other
Negative- as one variable increases the other decreases
No correlation- no significant pattern or relationship
How can correlation be expressed numerically?
A coefficient ranging from -1 to +1
Indicates extent that two variables lie on a straight line
Values over 0 indicate a positive correlation
Values under 0 indicate a negative correlation
0 indicates no correlation
A value of 1 indicates a perfect correlation
How would you describe each correlation coefficient?
1 = perfect
0.7 - 0.9 = strong
0.4 - 0.6 = moderate
0.1 - 0.3 = weak
0 = no correlation
Evaluate the use of correlations
Strengths- useful to identify possible trends before conducting large scale experiments
-can be used to test areas unethical to test in an experiment
Limitations- don’t identify which variable causes which so there could be a third variable
What is a case study?
In depth and detailed analysis of an individual or small group
Usually of someone who has experienced unusual events that would be impossible or unethical to directly manipulate
Studied over a long period- longitudinal
Number of different research methods used
Evaluate the use of case studies
Strengths- gives lots of insight so useful to develop understanding
-high ecological validity as not artificially manipulated
Limitations- time consuming as often longitudinal
-retrospective data may be innaccurate due to distorted memory
-low reliability as can’t be replicated
-lacks generalisability as small sample
Define reliability
The consistency of results- if the test is repeated and the same results are gathered
What 2 ways can we assess reliability?
Test-retest
Inter observer reliability
Describe how test retest can be used to assess reliability
Giving the same test to the same participants multiple times
A statistical test can see how far results correlate- positive correlation of +0.8 means test is reliable
Describe how inter observer reliability can be used to assess reliability
When two researchers sit separately but conduct the same research/ observation
Then come together to compare results- positive correlation of +0.8 shows reliability
Define validity
Whether we measure what we set out to measure
Includes internal validity (is the change in the DV due to the change in the IV) and external validity (do the findings apply outside the research)
Describe 2 types of validity
Ecological validity- if the findings can be generalised to settings outside of the research
Temporal validity- if the findings apply to only one time period or do they remain true over time
Name 2 ways of assessing validity
Face validity
Concurrent validity
Describe face validity as a way of assessing validity
Getting another researcher to look over the research
If the research looks like it measures what it sets out to then it has face validity
Describe how concurrent validity can be used to assess validity
Comparing your results to a well established test
If there is a correlation of +0.8 or above then it has concurrent validity
