Forms of research Flashcards
what is a meta-analysis
when a researcher looks at findings from a number of different studies and produces a statistic to represent the overall effect
what does a meta-analysis produce
a measure of strength between the relationship of two variables known as the effect size
Evaluate the strengths of meta-analysis
+ increased validity as reviewing multiple studies so conclusions are based on a wider sample
+ often a group produces contradictory results, a meta-analysis allows us to reach an overall conclusion by having a statistic
evaluate the weaknesses of meta-analysis
- the research designs in different studies may vary which means that the studies are not truly comparable
what is a content analysis
a form of observational study in which behavior is observed indirectly in written or verbal materials such as interviews, conservation, or TV programs
what must researchers consider before creating a content analysis
1) sampling method= what material to sample and how frequently
2) the behavioral categories used
evaluate a content analysis
+ based on observations that people actually do- real communications which are current and relevant such as newspapers providing high ecological validity
+ when sources are obtained from others findings and be easily replicated
- observer bias reduces the objectivity and validity of findings as different observers may interpret behavioral categories differently, therefore, lacking internal validity and reliability
what is a case study
an in-depth and detailed study about a specific individual, group or event
Evaluate a case study
+ offers in-depth data so no information is overlooked
+ allows the study of rare or unethical events
- difficult to generalize across to a wider population so may be unreliable
- case studies are only identified after the key event occurred such as brian damage so we can’t be sure if changes were present before.
