Methodology Questions

Question 1

Suggest 2 closed questions that could be used in a questionnaire.

Answer 1

• Yes/ No answers
(Do you like art? Yes/No)

• on a scale of 1-10 …
(On a scale of 1-10 how much do you hate art?)

Question 2

Explain one interview method that could be used to investigate a topic.

Answer 2

• structured interview

Set questions, replicated the same with each participant in a standardized order.

Question 3

Explain why researchers use standard deviation of data scores.

Answer 3

1. Uses all the data collected in a set of results

2. To calculate how much variation there is from the mean

Question 4

Define stratified sampling.

Answer 4

When the sample contains a proportional representation of the target population

Question 5

Explain one strength of stratifies sampling.

Answer 5

• demographically representative

Increases generalizability

Question 6

Evaluate the use of case studies in cognitive research.

Answer 6

• investigate patients with brain damage that cannot be intentionally caused
• case studies can use other methods: observations, PET scanning, experimental methods
• patients with brain damage cannot give full consent

+ case studies can generate qualitative data that describes memory functioning in detail

+ more ethical

+ improves consistency of data gathered (reliability)

• brain damage patients may be exploited for research (unethical)

+ qualitative nature of data represents real life experiences (high validity)

Question 7

What aspects does the code of ethics request psychologists to follow when carrying out an experiment?

Answer 7

• informed consent
• no deception (unless absolutely necessary)
• in case studies identity should be kept anonymous
• protection from harm and distress
• debriefing
• right to withdraw

Question 8

Evaluate the use of quantitative and qualitative data when conducting research into psychological issues.

Answer 8

+ qualitative data is descriptive (high validity)
+ qualitative can be categorized for analysis (reduce subjectivity)
+ quantitative data provides statistical evidence (less likely to be interpret by researcher)
+ quantitative is in form of numbers (higher reliability)

Question 9

Define what is meant by objectivity

Answer 9

Being neutral and unbiased when collecting and interpreting research data in psychology

Question 10

Evaluate the use of brain scanning techniques to investigate human behavior.

Answer 10

• lacks ecological validity (artificial setting)
• unethical ( exposure to radiation)

+ evidence - raine et al. found differences in murderer brain activity
+ can be repeated easily to test for reliability