Descriptive Research Strategies Flashcards
Descriptive Research goal?
Describe variables as they exist naturally (NO RELATIONSHIPS/NO MANIPULATION)
Observational Research design?
The researcher observes and records behavior for the purpose of describing behavior.
Observational Research design strengths?
- Researchers observe behavior in real time
- High external validity
- Comprehensive: All features of the behavior can be observed
Observational Research design weaknesses?
*Ethical concern: spying on people
*Does not examine causes or relationships
What is a behavioral observation?
Involves directly observing and recording behavior in its natural setting.
Quantifying behavioral observation?
- Frequency method
- Duration method
- Interval method
What is Naturalistic observation or nonparticipant observation?
When a researcher observes behavior in its natural setting.
Strengths and weaknesses of Naturalistic observation or nonparticipant observation?
Strengths:
* Excellent for behaviors that cannot be manipulated for ethical reasons
*High external validity
Weakness:
* Time consuming
What is Participant observation?
When the researcher interacts and integrates with the participants to observe them.
Strengths of Participant observation?
STRENGTHS:
* Allows researchers to observe behaviour that is not normally open to scientific observation
* Allows the researcher to gain a unique
perspective about the study
* High external validity
Weaknesses of Participant observation?
Weaknesses:
* Extremely time-consuming
* Potentially dangerous
* The researcher could alter the participant’s behaviour
* Observer may lose objectivity
What is Content Analysis?
Measures the behaviours in books, movies, or other media
What is Archival Research?
Measures behaviour from historical records
What is Survey research design?
Uses a survey to obtain a description of a group of individuals.
What other kind of question?
1) open ended
2) Restricted questions
3) Rating-scale questions
What is non-response bias?
When a certain population does not respond to the survey (reduces external validity)
Kind of surveys?
- Internet
- Telephone
- In-person
What is Interviewer bias?
During contact with a participant, an interview can influence the participant’s natural responses.
What is a case study design?
A study of a single individual for the purpose of obtaining a description of that individual.
What is the idiographic approach to research?
The intense study of one individual.
