paper 2 research methods

Question 1

what are cross sectional studies

Answer 1

compares the behaviours of different cross sections of the environment (e.g age , job)

Question 2

strength of cross sectional studies

Answer 2

takes less time as ps are only tested once

Question 3

2 weaknesses of cross sectional

Answer 3

• participant variables not controlled by
• cohort effects

Question 4

what is a longitudinal study

Answer 4

study that takes place over a long period of time

Question 5

strengths of longitudinal studies

Answer 5

• allows us to study the effects of ageing
• control of p variables because ps stay the same

Question 6

weaknesses of longitudinal studies

Answer 6

cohort effects - ps share certain experiences so results may not be generalisable

likely to be be drop outs

Question 7

what are cross cultural studies

Answer 7

compare behaviours across different cultures

Question 8

strengths of cross cultural studies

Answer 8

can investigate effects of nature v nurture

predominantly a western research - research in different cultures address the current imbalance

Question 9

weakness of cross cultural studies

Answer 9

researchers may use tests developed by western cultures - may not be valid in assessing other cultures

Question 10

define what a meta analysis is

Answer 10

combining results of multiple studies that have similar aims

Question 11

strengths of meta analysis

Answer 11

• increases validity of conclusions by increasing sample size
• selection of samplers may cover large range of cultures, gender, ages so are more generalisable

Question 12

weaknesses of meta analysis

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

what are 4 of the HCPC standards of proficiency

Answer 13

1. being able to practice safely and effectively
2. being able to practice with the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession
3. being aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice
4. understanding the importance of confidentiality

Question 14

Evaluate HCPC standards in terms of credibility

Answer 14

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

Question 15

evaluate qualitative data in terms of validity

Answer 15

✅ 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

Question 16

evaluate qualitative data in terms of reliability

Answer 16

❌ reliability is difficult to assess
qualitative data is hard to to replicate since its about personal interpretation so truly consistent findings are unlikely

Question 17

evaluate qualitative data in terms of generalisability

Answer 17

❌generalisability is limited
personal interpretation of evens is unique to the individuals

generalisation to others may not be justified or relevant

Question 18

quantitative data evaluation

Answer 18

✅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

Question 19

case studies strength

Answer 19

✅in depth data complex interactions of many factors can be studied- holistic approach

Question 20

case studies weaknesses

Answer 20

❌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

Question 21

define interviews in terms of clinical psychology

Answer 21

most commonly face to face conversations with a researcher asking questions about symptoms and experiences with their illness

Question 22

Strengths of interviews in clinical

Answer 22

✅ 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

Question 23

interviews in clinical weaknesses

Answer 23

❌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

Question 24

What is content analysis

Answer 24

• coding system on behaviours
• categories are made
• researcher tallies each time they witness the behaviour (quantitative analysis)

Question 25

strengths of content analysis

Answer 25

✅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

Question 26

content analysis weaknesses

Answer 26

❌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