Observational, Archival, Case-study Unit 5

Question 1

Non-experimental research

Answer 1

Use when…

1. researcher wishes to explore a new area of research in which there is little knowledge
2. ethical or other concerns may prevent a researcher from manipulating a particular independent variable or group of people
   ex) children cannot be randomly assigned to smoking and non-smoking parents to see if smoking causes behavior changes
3. can help to test the external validity of research findings established in laboratory

Question 2

Whats another name for Non-experimental research?

Answer 2

Correlational research

Question 3

Goals of correlational research

Answer 3

• predict
• describe

** can determine a relationship but cannot determine which is the cause and which is the effect

Question 4

Correlational research can be conducted in several ways (SOCA)

Answer 4

Observation - simply observes ongoing behavior of interest
Archival - examines existing records kept by individuals
Case studies - rare opportunity to examine an individual/real-world event intensively
Surveys - asks people questions, often in form of questionnaire

Question 5

2 types of observational research

Answer 5

1. Naturalistic: observing behaviors in a natural setting without attempt to intervene or influence (unobtrusive research - people are unaware they are being examined)

THREE procedures to sample behaviors: time sampling, event sampling (recording each event that occurs), situation sampling (in as many different locations)
**coding system

2. Participant: an observer taking part in a group’s activities

• usually when researcher wants to study a small, isolated group, which little is known and accessible to the public
  ex) gang members

Challenge: gain access to the group and can change the groups behaviors once they’re aware someone has become apart of the group - reactivity + invasion of privacy

Question 6

Inter-observer reliability

Answer 6

extent which 2 independent observers agree