Non-Experimental Research Methods Flashcards
Define ‘naturalistic observation’
Observation of behaviour in a natural situation
Define ‘controlled observation’
An observation where some of the variables are controlled by the researcher, reducing the natural-ness. These are usually conducted in a lab.
Identify the strengths and weakness of naturalistic observation
Pros:
- No Demand Characteristics
- High Ecological Validity
Cons:
- Difficult to replicate
- Observer’s presence may affect behaviour
What is the difference between structured and unstructured observation?
Unstructured; the researcher records all relevant behaviour but has no ‘system’. Usually when behaviour to be studied is unpredictable
Structured; the researcher uses various systems:
- Research aims (an area to study)
- Observational systems (how to record the behaviour)
Define ‘operationalisation’
Breaking the behaviour being studied into a set of measurable components
Define ‘continuous’ observation’
Where every instance of behaviour you see is recorded in detail
Define ‘event sampling’ and state on strength and weakness
Recording each time an event occurs
Pro:
Con: May be difficult to record everything accurately
Define ‘time sampling’ and state on strength and weakness
Recording behaviour is regular time intervals
(e.g. every other minute)
Pro:
Con: Some behaviours may be missed
What is the difference between participant and non-participant observation?
Participant; when the observer is involved in the research
Non-Participant; when the observer is not involved in the research
State the adavanages and disadvantages of Participant Observation
Pros:
- Living the experience
- Avoids researcher bias
Cons:
- Difficult to record
- Time consuming
State the adavanages and disadvantages of Non-Participant Observation
Pros:
- Easy to record
- Observer doesn’t interfere
Cons:
-Demand Characterisics (potentially)
Define ‘covert observation’
When participants are unaware of the observer
Define ‘overt observation’
When participants are aware of the observer
State the adavantages and disadvantages of Covert Observation
Pros: Allows observer to witness behaviour which might otherwise not be seen
Cons: No participant consent
State the adavantages and disadvantages of Overt Observation
Pros: Participant’s consent
Cons: Demand Characteristics
What kind of data does an unstructured observation produce?
Qualitiative Data
What kind of data does a structured observation produce?
Quantitative Data
How do observers assure that their research is reliable?
- Observation’s results should be consistent
- Inter-observer reliability; correlating the observations of two or more observers
How do observers deal with low reliability within research?
Observers should be trained to use a behaviour checklist or coding system
Define the ‘self-report technique’
A research method where participants give information about themselves without researcher interference
Usually in the form of questionnnaires or interviews
Outline the strengths of using a questionnaire as a form of self-report
- Easy to collect information from the masses
- No interviewer effects
Outline the weaknesses of using a questionnaire as a form of self-report
- Social Desirability Bias; not answering honestly
- Questions may be misunderstood
Define what is meant by ‘a structured interview’
Contains pre-prepared questions (pretty much a face-to-face questionnaire)
Define what is meant by ‘a semi-structured interview’
Consists of some prepared questions but allows for the interviewee to elaborate (most successful form of interview)
Define what is meant by ‘a unstructured interview’
Consists of possibly one or two pre-prepared questions to start, but continues based on the responses of the interviewee
Outline the advantages of using an interview as a form of self-report compared to a questionnaire
- Body language can be recorded
- In unstructured interviews, the questions are specific and the interviewee is given an opportunity to expand
Outline the disadvantages of using an interview as a form of self-report compared to a questionnaire
- Interviewer effects
- Some people may struggle verbalising their thoughts
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using a structured interview interview
Pros:
- Easily repeated
- Easier to analyse
Cons:
-Rigid and inflexible
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using a unstructured or semi-structured interview
Pros:
-Fairly flexible
Cons:
- Interviewer bias
- Answers are less easy to analyse as they are unpredictable
What is the difference between a correlation and an experiment?
Correlation; seeks to establish the nature between two variables
Experiment; the difference between conditions and established cause and effect
Define ‘correlation coefficient’
a number between -1 and +1 which tells you the strength of a correlation
Identify advantages of investigations using correlational analysis
- Used when an experiment would be unethical
- Can stimulate further investigation
Identify advantages of investigations using correlational analysis
- Cause and affect cannot be established
- only appropriate for measuring linear relationships
Define ‘meta-analysis’
A statistical technique for combining the findings of several studies of research in a certain area
Evaluate meta-analysis
Pros:
- Allows for indentification of trends and relationships that wouldn’t be possible in smaller studies
- Helpful to illustrate all results of an area, especially when specific results are weak or contradictory
Cons:
-Research designs differ, meaning they may not be trulty comparable
What are the four options for reviewers to give when peer-reviewing a study?
- Accept the work unconditionally
- Accept it as long as it is improved
- Reject it, but suggest improvement
- Reject it outright
What is a ‘single-blind, double blind and open’ review?
Single-Blind; the names of the reviewers are not revealed to the researcher
Double-Blind; both reviewer and researcher are anomanous
Open; when the reviewer and researcher are known to eachother
