deck_rm Flashcards
lab strengths
It is easier to replicate (i.e. copy) a laboratory experiment. This is because a standardized procedure is used.They allow for precise control of extraneous and independent variables. This allows a cause and effect relationship to be established.
lab weaknesses
The artificiality of the setting may produce unnatural behavior that does not reflect real life, i.e. low ecological validity. This means it would not be possible to generalize the findings to a real life setting.Demand characteristics or experimenter effects may bias the results and become confounding variables.
Field strengths
Behaviour in a field experiment is more likely to reflect life real because of its natural setting, i.e. higher ecological validity than a lab experiment.There is less likelihood of demand characteristics affecting the results, as participants may not know they are being studied. This occurs when the study is covert (hidden). However, a hidden observer recording information without the participants’ knowledge and consent has ethical implications.
field weaknesses
There is less control over extraneous variables that might bias the results. This makes it difficult for another researcher to replicate the study in exactly the same way and makes it less valid to argue cause and effect relations between the manipulation of the IV and changes in the DV compared with laboratory experiments
natural strengths
Behavior in a natural experiment is more likely to reflect life real because of the very real nature of the independent variable.Can be used in situations in which it would be ethically unacceptable to manipulate the independent variable, e.g. researching stress.
natural weaknesses
They may be more expensive and time consuming than lab experiments, and in some natural experiments, the occurrence of the IV may take years.The lack of control over extraneous variables might bias the results. This makes it difficult for another researcher to replicate the study in exactly the same way.
observation weaknesses
it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of a behavior and the experimenter cannot control for outside variables. People may behave differently when they know they are being watched and •Different observers may draw different conclusions from the same witnessed behavior.
observation strengths
it allows the researcher to directly observe the subject in a natural setting. It allows researchers to study things that cannot be manipulated in a lab due to ethical concerns and It can help support the external validity of research.
structured interview strengths
easy to replicate as a fixed set of closed questions are used, which are easy to test for reliability. Structured interviews are fairly quick to conduct which means that many interviews can take place within a short amount of time.
structured interview weaknesses
Structure interviews are not flexible. This means new questions cannot be asked impromptu as an interview schedule must be followed.The answers from structured interviews lack detail as only closed questions are asked which generates quantitative data. This means a research will won’t know why a person behave in a certain way.
unstructured interview strengths
Unstructured interviews are more flexible as questions can be adapted and changed depending on the respondents’ answers. Unstructured interviews generate qualitative data which allows the respondent to talk in some depth which helps the researcher develop a real sense of a person’s understanding of a situation.They also have increased validity because it gives the interviewer the opportunity to probe for a deeper understanding.
unstructured interview weaknesses
Can be time consuming to conduct the unstructured interview and analyze the qualitative data.Employing and training interviewers is expensive, and not as cheap as questionnaires.
closed ended questionnaire strengths
They can economical. This means they can provide large amounts of research data for relatively low costs.The data can be quickly obtained as closed questions are easy to answer This means a large sample size can be obtainedThe questions are standardized. All respondents are asked exactly the same questions in the same order. so they are reliable
closed ended questionnaire weaknesses
They lack detail. Because the response if fixed, there is less scope for respondents to supply answers which reflects their true feelings on a topic.
open ended questionnaire strengths
Rich qualitative data is obtained as open questions allow the respondent to elaborate on their answer.
open ended questionnaire weaknesses
Time consuming to collect the data. It takes longer for the respondent to complete open questions. This is a problem as a smaller sample size may be obtained. Time consuming to analyze the data. It takes longer for the research to analyze qualitative as they have to read the answers and try to put them into categories by coding, which is often subjective and difficult.
independent group design strengths
Participants are not likely to be affected by order effects, as they are only involved in one of the conditions. Demand Characteristics are less likely, as there are fewer clues about the research hypothesis in an independent groups design.
independent group design weaknesses
Participant variables are the main disadvantage, as participants are different in each condition, any difference between conditions in the DV may be down to the different characteristics and abilities of the participants, and not the manipulation of the IV.
repeated measure design strengths
This design eliminates the risk that participant variables will influence the DV, as they are the same participants taking part. Another advantage is that a smaller number of participants are required which is an advantage of convenience.
repeated measure design weaknesses
This design is more likely to be affected by order effects, as participants may improve in the second condition if it is a skills based test because of practice, or may perform worse if the tasks are long (fatigue) or boringSample drop off and participant reactivity are also concerns using this design, as are the increased risks of demand characteristics.
matched-pairs design weaknesses
It can be difficult to find similar participants to take part in either condition, and it may be challenging to know exactly which characteristics are required to match. It is considered that this design takes the longest to prepare, so is often overlooked in research where resources are limited.
random sample strengths
Considered the most scientific method, it reduces the possibility of researchers choosing samples that would support their hypothesis. It is also considered one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of a biased sample occurring by chance, but does not eliminate this possibility.
random sample weaknesses
It is very difficult to collect the names of every one in a given population, electoral registers do not contain every one, some participants may refuse to take part, and the vastness of some target populations make this method virtually impossible.
opportunity sample evaluation
:)A quick and convenient method of sampling.:(It is likely to produce a biased sample. As it only uses the people available which might just be one type of people Thus it is highly unlikely that the results of the study can be generalized to a wider population
