Methods in social psychology

Question 1

Describe quantitive research.

Answer 1

An approach to research aimed at studying the relationships between variables. Variables are expressed numerically and their relationships are explored via statistical analysis.

Question 2

Describe qualitative research.

Answer 2

An approach to research based on the interpretation of qualitative data.

Question 3

Describe correlational research.

Answer 3

Research designed to measure the association between variables that are not manipulated by the researcher.

Question 4

What are the four main stages in the quantitative approach?

Answer 4

1. Research question.
2. Theory.
3. Hypothesis.
4. Method.

Question 5

What is an advantage of correlational research?

Answer 5

It enables researchers to study naturally occurring variables, including variables that would be too difficult or unethical to manipulate.

Question 6

What is experimental research?

Answer 6

Research that can demonstrate causal relationships.

Question 6

What is one limitation of correlational research?

Answer 6

There is a limit of the number of correlations you can draw.

Question 7

What is one advantage of experimental research?

Answer 7

Enables researchers to determine whether the independent variable can cause a change in the dependent variable.

Question 8

What is survey research?

Answer 8

An approach which asks people questions about their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour.

Question 8

What two types of sampling can survey research use?

Answer 8

• Random sampling.
• Convenience sampling.

Question 9

What are two key characteristics of the qualitative approach?

Answer 9

• Concern with capturing individuals perspective.
• Concern with richness of description in the data.