paper 2 research methods Flashcards
what are cross sectional studies
compares the behaviours of different cross sections of the environment (e.g age , job)
strength of cross sectional studies
takes less time as ps are only tested once
2 weaknesses of cross sectional
- participant variables not controlled by
- cohort effects
what is a longitudinal study
study that takes place over a long period of time
strengths of longitudinal studies
- allows us to study the effects of ageing
- control of p variables because ps stay the same
weaknesses of longitudinal studies
cohort effects - ps share certain experiences so results may not be generalisable
likely to be be drop outs
what are cross cultural studies
compare behaviours across different cultures
strengths of cross cultural studies
can investigate effects of nature v nurture
predominantly a western research - research in different cultures address the current imbalance
weakness of cross cultural studies
researchers may use tests developed by western cultures - may not be valid in assessing other cultures
define what a meta analysis is
combining results of multiple studies that have similar aims
strengths of meta analysis
- increases validity of conclusions by increasing sample size
- selection of samplers may cover large range of cultures, gender, ages so are more generalisable
weaknesses of meta analysis
- selection bias —> researchers may select studies with more positive results
- case studies may use different methods so it isn’t appropriate to combine their data —> final affect size is likely to be meaningless
what are 4 of the HCPC standards of proficiency
- being able to practice safely and effectively
- being able to practice with the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession
- being aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice
- understanding the importance of confidentiality
Evaluate HCPC standards in terms of credibility
the 15 standards set out by the HCPC are a credible framework
They are SMART targets:
SPECIFIC: standards refers to well defined achievements that could be understood by anyone with a psychological background
MEASURABLE: obvious when someone meets the standards or falls beneath it
ATTAINABLE: standards aren’t impossible to meet
RELEVANT: standards have specific expectations
TIME BOUND: members have to re register every 2 years to show they still meet the standards
evaluate qualitative data in terms of validity
✅ data is rich and detailed, collected first hand from the participants
✅data is meaningful and avoids the pitfalls of methods which provides just a quick snapshot of behaviour
❌social desirability
❌demand characteristics
❌evaluation apprehension: ps do not tell the whole truth as they are anxious about how this might be interpreted
evaluate qualitative data in terms of reliability
❌ reliability is difficult to assess
qualitative data is hard to to replicate since its about personal interpretation so truly consistent findings are unlikely
evaluate qualitative data in terms of generalisability
❌generalisability is limited
personal interpretation of evens is unique to the individuals
generalisation to others may not be justified or relevant
quantitative data evaluation
✅easier to analyse- can be summarised
✅more objective - measurements should be the same no matter what - reliable
credibility as not bias
❌ may restrict expression of precise findings.
answers provided are fixed - may not be an answer for what they really think so low validity
❌reductionist- oversimplifies reality
reduces human experience to quantities
case studies strength
✅in depth data complex interactions of many factors can be studied- holistic approach
case studies weaknesses
❌no cause and effect - no IV that has been deliberately altered
impossible to know the direction of a possible effect
❌intervening factors can lead to false conclusions
define interviews in terms of clinical psychology
most commonly face to face conversations with a researcher asking questions about symptoms and experiences with their illness
Strengths of interviews in clinical
✅ open Qs allow patient to express how they feel fully which can lead to further insight
✅ if interviews are recorded (e.g vallentine et al) others can play back recordings to check interpretations
increasing reliability + internal validity
✅structured interviews are more reliable as everyone gets asked the same Qs
✅structured interviews are more able to compare results against one another
✅unstructured interviews allow you the freedom to pursue information which you haven’t wrote Qs about- follow ups
interviews in clinical weaknesses
❌if the Qs are open the psychiatrist may need to decide on important themes which can be subjective
❌if an unstructured interview is used there is a lack of reliability as no patient will have exactly the same questions
❌in face to face interviews ppl may be more concerned about how they are perceived rather than telling the truth. (social desirability)
❌symptoms such as paranoia may have an affect on responses - making it difficult for them to be properly analysed
What is content analysis
- coding system on behaviours
- categories are made
- researcher tallies each time they witness the behaviour (quantitative analysis)
strengths of content analysis
✅high ecological validity as it is based on observations of real life
also high mundane realism
✅no demand characteristics
✅can be replicated- high reliability
✅reliability also can be assessed by inter observer reliability
content analysis weaknesses
❌observer bias (affects validity and objectivity)
observers may interpret categories in coding system differently
❌culture bias - interpretation of verbal or written content will be affected by the language/ culture of the observer and coding system used
❌cannot draw cause and effect conclusions
