descriptive research methods

Question 1

Participant observation

Answer 1

Observer disguised as a participant in a group

Studying the behavior in a natural setting -> more realistic information

Question 2

Observational Studies

Answer 2

uses systematic and objective behavioral observations as the primary mode of collecting data.

Question 3

naturalistic observation

Answer 3

behavior is observed as it occurs in its natural setting

Question 4

Observer effect

Answer 4

subjects behaving differently when they are aware of an observer

Question 5

Laboratory observations

Answer 5

Specialized equipment is used (Hidden cameras, one way mirror)

Question 6

pros and cons of laboratory observations

Answer 6

can an exert control over the setting

But can also result to artificial behavior

Question 7

random sampling

Answer 7

ensures that everyone in the population is given the same chance of being part of the sample

involves having a list of all the members of the population and selecting in an unbiased way (i.e. fishbowl method or random number generator) who gets to be part of the sample.

Question 8

methods of descriptive research

Answer 8

1. Observational Studies
2. Correlational Studies
3. Experimental Studies
4. Quasi-experimental Studies

Question 9

case studies

Answer 9

in-depth study of an individual or group with unique characteristics

popular method for studying people with psychological disorders or a group with a shared unique experience

Question 10

pros and cons of case studies

Answer 10

often involves a variety of research methods to collect data in order to come up with a comprehensive description/information of the individual or group.

since the individual or group is so unique, this information cannot be applied to people in general.

Question 11

Surveys

Answer 11

usually ask a series of questions through written questionnaires or interviews.

Question 12

pros and cons of surveys

Answer 12

The strength of a survey lies in its ability to generalize information collected from a small group of people (sample) to a larger group of people (population)

Can only generalize findings from the sample of the population if it is ensured that the sample adequately represents the different characteristics of our population. Can be challenging if we are working with a population with hundreds or thousands or millions of people

Question 13

correlational method

Answer 13

when we know exactly how two things are related, we can make predictions about the value of one behavior based on the value of the other behavior.

Question 14

correlation

Answer 14

measure of the relationship between two or more variables. a statistical technique performed by using a formula on two sets of data which will yield a correlation coefficient

Question 15

correlational method representing direction

Answer 15

the relationship is determined by the + or - sign.

Positive = the two variables increase in the same direction

Negative = the two variables have an inverse* relationship.

Question 16

correlational method representing strength

Answer 16

the relationship between the variables will be determined by the actual number itself.

The closer it is to 1 = 1 the stronger the relationship or the more related the two variables are

While a coefficient of 0 = the two variables are not related at all.

Question 17

experimental method

Answer 17

• determines the cause of a behavior
• variables are manipulated
• Usually involves at least two groups who receive different amounts of manipulation of the independent variables whose behavior are then compared.

Question 18

why are variables manipulated in experiments

Answer 18

if they get changes in behavior they know that those changes must be due to the manipulated variable.

Question 19

independent vs dependent variable

Answer 19

independent of anything the participants do

always the behavior that is measured to see just how the independent variable may have affected it

Question 20

experimental vs control group

Answer 20

Group exposed to the independent variable

Used at baseline comparison group. group that gets either no treatment or some kind of treatment that should have no effect

Question 21

Random assignments

Answer 21

used to assign participants in experiments

Question 22

confounding variables

Answer 22

Unbiased methods equally distribute any participant’s characteristics that may influence the dependent variable

Question 23

Placebo effect and how to prevent it

Answer 23

when the participant’s expectations (rather than the IV) influence their behavior

can be prevented using single blind study

Question 24

single blind study

Answer 24

the treatment group will be given the actual product and the control group will be given a similar looking substance which contains none of the main product

Question 25

Experimenter effect and how to prevent it

Answer 25

The experimenters’ expectation can also influence become a confounding variable to the experiment

double-blind study

Question 26

How does experimenter effect happen

Answer 26

When the researcher is measuring the dependent variable, it’s possible that he or she could give the participants clues about how they are supposed to respond—through the use of body language, tone of voice, or even eye contact.

Question 27

double-blind study

Answer 27

both the participants and the experimenter themselves do not know which condition each participant belongs to

Question 28

Quasi-experimental studies

Answer 28

may look like real experiments but are often missing either manipulation of the IV or random assignment.

not as strong as experiments in establishing cause and effect relationships they are still useful when real experiments cannot be conducted either because we can’t or we shouldn’t.

Question 29

what mades an experiment real

Answer 29

(1) Does it have an independent variable which is manipulated?
(2) Are there different groups whose behaviors are being compared?
(3) Were these groups formed using random assignment?

Question 30

why does an unmanipulated iv make an experiment quasi

Answer 30

Manipulation means that the researchers created different levels of the hypothesized cause of the behavior.