Non- experimental methods Flashcards
What are the 5 non- experimental methods?
-Descriptive research
- naturalistic observation
- case study
- survey
-Correlation research
What are the main features of natural observation?
- Mainly categorisation
- As little disturbance as possible
- Observer stays in the background
Name 2 problems of naturalistic observations and give solutions for both
-Reliability of categorisation (target behaviours)
-Solution = Inter-observer reliability
-Reactivity (Hawthorne effect)
-Solution = Participant observation
What are the 3 types of surveys?
-Questionnaire
-Interviews (structured/ unstructured)
-Diary study
Name 4 problems with surveys?
-Reactivity (people lie or social desirability)
-Questionnaire validity
-Comparing answers (likert scale, category box etc)
-Memory of participants
What are the main features of structured interviews
-Fixed set of questions asked in a fixed order
-multiple choice or ratings
Name 3 advantages of structured interviews
-Easily quantifiable
-Comparability across participants
-All topics covered
Name 3 disadvantages of structured interviews
-Rigid structure
-Not adaptable to participant
-Surface information (lack of in depth, rich information)
Name a feature of unstructured interviews
- Number of topics without fixed order of fixed questions
Name 2 advantages of unstructured interviews
-More in depth information
-Relevant to specific participant
Name 2 disadvantages of unstructured interviews
-Generalisability
-Analysis is time consuming (hard to quantify)
Name 4 advantages of descriptive research
-sometimes the only possible way of study (practically and ethically)
-often inexpensive and flexible
-Real life studies = no manipulations
-Ecological validity
Name the features of Correlational research
-purpose is to determine the relation between two variables, without manipulating any variables
-Looks at direction and strength of the relationship (negative, positive, no correlation)
-Variables must be quantifiable
Name 2 disadvantages of Correlational research
-Direction of relationship may be unclear
-Confounding variables
What the difference between descriptive study and correlational study
-correlational study can be more informative as degree of relation is stated and prediction is possible
