Key words - Research Methods Flashcards
case studies
Case studies: A detailed study of a particular person/persons or event, usually yielding a
large amount of information.
content analysis
Content analysis: A research tool used to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data
Controlled observation
Controlled observation: A type of observation where participants are observed in a lab, increasing control and reliability but decreasing ecological validity.
Correlation
Correlation: The extent to which two variables are associated.
Covert observation
Covert observation: A type of observation where the observer is hidden and therefore participants do not know they are being observed. While this does reduce demand characteristics, it can raise ethical issues around consent.
Experiment
Experiment: A type of investigation wherein a hypothesis is tested by manipulation of an independent variable, in order to view its effect on the dependent variable.
Field experiment
Field experiment: A type of experiment that is conducted in a real life setting, which reduces the amount of control over extraneous variables, however the ecological validity is improved.
Interviews
Interviews: A self-report technique wherein participants are asked questions by an interviewer, which allows for flexibility in the information gathered.
Laboratory experiment
Laboratory experiment: A type of experiment that is conducted in a highly controlled environment, allowing control over extraneous variables at the expense of ecological validity.
Natural experiment
Natural experiment: A type of experiment in which an independent variable that already exists is tested in its natural environment, greatly reducing the control of extraneous variables. This type of experiment allows for investigation of variables that cannot ethically be created.
Naturalistic observation
Naturalistic observation: A type of observation where participants are observed in their natural environment, increasing ecological validity but decreasing the amount of control over extraneous variables
Non-participant observation
Non-participant observation: A type of observation where the observer does not join the group under observation. This allows for higher objectivity but reduces the insight that could be achieved with a participant observation.
Observation
Observation: A type of data collection wherein participants’ behaviour is observed.
Overt observation
Overt observation: A type of observation where the participants know they are under
observation. This preserves informed consent but may increase demand characteristics.
Participant observation
Participant observation: A type of observation where the observer joins the group under observation. This form of observation yields highly valuable qualitative information with insight, but can reduce the objectivity of the researcher.