Methodology Flashcards
Cross cultural methods
Taking samples from different cultural groups and comparing the result of the research to assess similarities and differences between them. This allows consideration of how culture may impact on the behaviour in question.
Cross cultural methods and the nature nurture debate
If the same procedures are used in different cultures and the same results are found this suggests that it is due to genetics and is biological. If different behaviours are found then this is likely to be due to varying cultural practices and therefore nurture.
Cross cultural research and ethnography
if done properly cross cultural research can remove ethnocentric views if the researcher immerses themselves in the culture and learns about it fully they can be said to be ethnographic 
Example of a cross cultural method
Lin
Schizophrenia was looked at cross culturally and it was found the prevalence seemed similar across all cultures. with regards to symptoms similarities out wide the differences the only differences seem to be in terms of the outcome for the patient developed countries had more positive outcomes
Strengths of cross cultural methods
.Can reduce ethnocentrism and improve validity
.Can settle nature nature debate between cultures
Weakness of cross cultural methods
.Lack of validity transferring procedures from one culture to another may not be suitable
. Research at my interpret findings in terms of their own beliefs and therefore in favour of their own culture.
. Varying procedure to fit culture my generalisations hard
Strength of longitudinal studies
.Patience with same illness can have different experiences using one person means there’s no individual difference
. High validity as a regular checks on development over an extended period means data is very in-depth and it’s not affected by the cohort affect the same samples used. 
Weakness of longitudinal studies
. Expensive in time consuming difficult to replicate due to generational differences
. Problem with hydro upright leaving biased sample.
. Many factors will change for an individual overtime, therefore it may not be easy to draw a clear cause an effect.
Strength of cross-sectional studies
.Data is gathered quickly, allowing conclusions to be drawn and acted upon
. More ethical and there is less intrusion compared to longitude studies.
Weakness of cross-sectional studies
.Comparisons being command involved different people meaning individual differences will have an effect on results
. Might be issues with cohort effects as the results could be a attributed to the effects of being raised in different times.
Strength of metanalysis
.Increases the conclusions validity as their based on a wide range of studies
. Has the ability to generalise to a large amount of people
Weakness of metanalysis
. Research designs in the studies convey so they are not truly comparable
. Poor quality studies are included there is an increased risk of bias.
What are Cross sectional studies
A quick snap shot of behaviour in a population rather than waiting for a longitudinal data to be gathered. Researchers get a large group of people in the sample to get a good cross section of the target population
Example of a cross sectional study
Hawker and Boulton
Metaanalytic review of cross sectional studies of the association of peer review and psychological maladjustment
What is a longitudinal study
Involves studying the same participant over a long period of time documenting any changes that occur. the development or time based changes can be seen through a pattern of measurements.
