Non-experimental research methods Flashcards

1
Q

Define observation

A

When a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in the behaviour that’s being studied

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2
Q

Define correlation

A

A correlation is used to measure the extent of a relationship between two quantitative variables that are neither manipulated by the experimenter

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3
Q

Define naturalistic observations

A

This is an observation carried out in a natural setting where the observer doesn’t interfere or try influence the behaviour being observed

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4
Q

Strengths of naturalistic observations

A
  • High eco validity (takes place in real-life setting)
  • Low demand characteristics (pps aren’t aware they’re being studied)
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5
Q

Weaknesses of naturalistic observations

A
  • Less control over extraneous variables (hard to determine casualty)
  • Low replicability (reality of findings can’t be checked)
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6
Q

Define controlled observation

A

An observation that takes place in a controlled setting, usually behind a one-way mirror so observers can’t be seen

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7
Q

Strengths of controlled observation

A
  • Less extraneous variables (takes place in a controlled environment)
  • High reliability (observation procedure can be easily replicated)
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8
Q

Weaknesses of controlled observation

A
  • Low eco validity (setting is artificial like in a lab)
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9
Q

Define structured observation

A

When an observer records participants’ behaviours according to a predetermined coding system. This can be done through event and time sampling

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10
Q

Define event and time sampling

A

Event sampling: An observer records every time the target behaviour occurs

Time sampling: An observer records at set time intervals (eg: every 20 mins)

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11
Q

Strengths of structured observation

A
  • Predetermined checklists allows for objective, measurable data that can be collected and statistically analysed
  • Allows for more than one observer (due to checklist) which increases reliability
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12
Q

Weaknesses of structured observation

A
  • Predetermined checklists may make observation more restrictive and doesn’t always explain why behaviour is happening
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13
Q

Define unstructured observations

A

When an observer records participants in a qualitative manner over a period of time without the use of a behavioural checklist

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14
Q

Strengths of unstructured observations

A
  • researchers can collect in-depth, rich qualitative data which can help explain why behaviour has occurred
  • observers aren’t limited to prior theoretical expectations
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15
Q

Weaknesses of unstructured observations

A
  • researchers may be drawn to eye-catching behaviour which may not be representative of all behaviours
  • more subjective and can’t be comparable across all researchers
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16
Q

Define overt observation

A

When participants are aware and know they’re being observed

17
Q

Strengths and weakness of overt observation

A

+ fulfils ethical guidelines where participants know they’re being observed compared to a covert observation

  • increases demand characteristics as participants may behave differently knowing they are being observed (Hawthorne effect)
  • reduces validity from behaviour
18
Q

Define covert observation

A

When participants are unaware they they are being observed

19
Q

Strength and weakness of covert observation

A

+ increases validity and reduces demand characteristics as behaviour is more likely to be natural

  • breaks ethical guidelines as there is deception and participants don’t get informed consent about being observed
20
Q

Define participant observation

A

When the observer is involved in the participant group and may not be known to other participants

21
Q

Strength and weaknesses of participant observation

A

+ allows for researcher to gain deep understanding of the group

  • participants’ behaviours may be influenced when researcher is present
  • less objectivity as researcher is part of the participant group
22
Q

Define non-participant observation

A

When the observer is separate from the participant group

23
Q

Strength and weakness of non-participant observation

A

+ more objective as researchers are not part of the participant group

  • harder to gain qualitative data to understand the reasons for participants’ behaviours
24
Q

Define inter-rater reliability/inter-observer reliability

A

When two researchers watching the same event produce the same records/data

25
Define case study
It's a detailed study conducted on a single individual or a distinctive group of people
26
Strengths of longitudinal study
- allows researchers to look at changes over time in results - high validity (objectives of the study are established before data collection)
27
Weaknesses of longitudinal study
- costly and time consuming - participants may drop out resulting in a smaller sample size (attrition) - Large sample size is needed otherwise researchers don't have enough data to collect
28
Define self-report
It's a research method where participants are asked to report on their own emotions, feelings, and abilities. This can either be an interview or a questionnaire
29
Strengths of a self-report
- allows participants to share their own experiences which provides in-depth qualitative data - easy way to gather large amounts of data - easier than lab exp - less time consuming - helps explain reasons behind why certain behaviours occur - can gather detailed data from wide range of participants (online)
30
Weaknesses of a self-report
- Social desirability bias (pps want to come across a certain way so they're untruthful and leads to lower validity) - pps misunderstand the question - depends on willingness of participant to provide detailed data - depends on pps ability to understand their own thoughts and emotions to answer questions
31
Define questionnaire and types
A questionnaire is a written self-report technique where participants are given a pre-set number of questions to respond to Types: - likert scale (quanti) - rating scale (quanti) - open ended (quali) - closed ended (qunati
32
Strengths of questionnaires
- anonymised - less social desirability bias as no interviewer is present and it's often anonymous - large amounts of data can be gathered which increased generalizability and representativeness of study - data can be compared with means and averages - data can be easily analysed compared to interviews (if it's quantitative)
33
Weaknesses of questionnaires
- not as rich quantitative data compared to interviews - options given to participants may not reflect their actual opinions and they may be forced to choose a response - pps may be given leading questions - pps may feel bored or give up and not finish
34
Strengths and weakness of structured interviews
+ quick to conduct + reduced differences between interviewers (replicability) + standardized questions means higher reliability and replicability - interviewers can't deviate from topic or ask extra questions
35
Strength and weaknesses of unstructured interviews
+ more flexibility, deeper insights, rich qualitative data - difficult to analyse so much qualitative - social desirability bias, lower validity
36
Define correlation and the types of correlation
A correlation is the relationship between 2 variables. - positive: when both two variables increase - negative: when one variable increases and the other decreases - zero: when both variables have no relationship with each other