Non-Experimental Research Methods

Question 1

Define ‘naturalistic observation’

Answer 1

Observation of behaviour in a natural situation

Question 2

Define ‘controlled observation’

Answer 2

An observation where some of the variables are controlled by the researcher, reducing the natural-ness. These are usually conducted in a lab.

Question 3

Identify the strengths and weakness of naturalistic observation

Answer 3

Pros:

• No Demand Characteristics
• High Ecological Validity

Cons:

• Difficult to replicate
• Observer’s presence may affect behaviour

Question 4

What is the difference between structured and unstructured observation?

Answer 4

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)

Question 5

Define ‘operationalisation’

Answer 5

Breaking the behaviour being studied into a set of measurable components

Question 6

Define ‘continuous’ observation’

Answer 6

Where every instance of behaviour you see is recorded in detail

Question 7

Define ‘event sampling’ and state on strength and weakness

Answer 7

Recording each time an event occurs

Pro:
Con: May be difficult to record everything accurately

Question 8

Define ‘time sampling’ and state on strength and weakness

Answer 8

Recording behaviour is regular time intervals
(e.g. every other minute)

Pro:
Con: Some behaviours may be missed

Question 9

What is the difference between participant and non-participant observation?

Answer 9

Participant; when the observer is involved in the research

Non-Participant; when the observer is not involved in the research

Question 10

State the adavanages and disadvantages of Participant Observation

Answer 10

Pros:

• Living the experience
• Avoids researcher bias

Cons:

• Difficult to record
• Time consuming

Question 11

State the adavanages and disadvantages of Non-Participant Observation

Answer 11

Pros:

• Easy to record
• Observer doesn’t interfere

Cons:
-Demand Characterisics (potentially)

Question 12

Define ‘covert observation’

Answer 12

When participants are unaware of the observer

Question 13

Define ‘overt observation’

Answer 13

When participants are aware of the observer

Question 14

State the adavantages and disadvantages of Covert Observation

Answer 14

Pros: Allows observer to witness behaviour which might otherwise not be seen
Cons: No participant consent

Question 15

State the adavantages and disadvantages of Overt Observation

Answer 15

Pros: Participant’s consent
Cons: Demand Characteristics

Question 16

What kind of data does an unstructured observation produce?

Answer 16

Qualitiative Data

Question 17

What kind of data does a structured observation produce?

Answer 17

Quantitative Data

Question 18

How do observers assure that their research is reliable?

Answer 18

• Observation’s results should be consistent

- Inter-observer reliability; correlating the observations of two or more observers

Question 19

How do observers deal with low reliability within research?

Answer 19

Observers should be trained to use a behaviour checklist or coding system

Question 20

Define the ‘self-report technique’

Answer 20

A research method where participants give information about themselves without researcher interference

Usually in the form of questionnnaires or interviews

Question 21

Outline the strengths of using a questionnaire as a form of self-report

Answer 21

• Easy to collect information from the masses

- No interviewer effects

Question 22

Outline the weaknesses of using a questionnaire as a form of self-report

Answer 22

• Social Desirability Bias; not answering honestly

- Questions may be misunderstood

Question 23

Define what is meant by ‘a structured interview’

Answer 23

Contains pre-prepared questions (pretty much a face-to-face questionnaire)

Question 24

Define what is meant by ‘a semi-structured interview’

Answer 24

Consists of some prepared questions but allows for the interviewee to elaborate (most successful form of interview)

Question 25

Define what is meant by ‘a unstructured interview’

Answer 25

Consists of possibly one or two pre-prepared questions to start, but continues based on the responses of the interviewee

Question 26

Outline the advantages of using an interview as a form of self-report compared to a questionnaire

Answer 26

• Body language can be recorded

- In unstructured interviews, the questions are specific and the interviewee is given an opportunity to expand

Question 27

Outline the disadvantages of using an interview as a form of self-report compared to a questionnaire

Answer 27

• Interviewer effects

- Some people may struggle verbalising their thoughts

Question 28

Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using a structured interview interview

Answer 28

Pros:

• Easily repeated
• Easier to analyse

Cons:
-Rigid and inflexible

Question 29

Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using a unstructured or semi-structured interview

Answer 29

Pros:
-Fairly flexible

Cons:

• Interviewer bias
• Answers are less easy to analyse as they are unpredictable

Question 30

What is the difference between a correlation and an experiment?

Answer 30

Correlation; seeks to establish the nature between two variables

Experiment; the difference between conditions and established cause and effect

Question 31

Define ‘correlation coefficient’

Answer 31

a number between -1 and +1 which tells you the strength of a correlation

Question 32

Identify advantages of investigations using correlational analysis

Answer 32

• Used when an experiment would be unethical

- Can stimulate further investigation

Question 33

Identify advantages of investigations using correlational analysis

Answer 33

• Cause and affect cannot be established

- only appropriate for measuring linear relationships

Question 34

Define ‘meta-analysis’

Answer 34

A statistical technique for combining the findings of several studies of research in a certain area

Question 35

Evaluate meta-analysis

Answer 35

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

Question 36

What are the four options for reviewers to give when peer-reviewing a study?

Answer 36

1. Accept the work unconditionally
2. Accept it as long as it is improved
3. Reject it, but suggest improvement
4. Reject it outright

Question 37

What is a ‘single-blind, double blind and open’ review?

Answer 37

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