Research Methods 1 - methods and techniques

Question 0

Laboratory experiment

*Definition

Answer 0

*experiment conducted in a controlled environment allowing establishment of causality

Question 1

Name the experimental methods

Answer 1

Laboratory experiment
Field experiment
Natural experiment

Question 2

Lab exp

* advantages

Answer 2

• high control over variables=greater accuracy therefore cause and effect is established
• measurement accuracy=sensitive to extraneous variables
• can be easily replicated to prove hypothesis = greater confidence in exp

Question 3

Lab exp

*disadvantages

Answer 3

• reduction in ecological validity due to High control over variables create an artificial surrounding
• =high demand characteristics ( due to evaluation apprehension and social desirability)
• =lack of generalisability

Question 4

Field experiment

*definition

Answer 4

*experiment conducted on natural ‘real life’ surroundings where independent variable is manipulated

Question 5

Field experiment

* advantages

Answer 5

• high ecological validity
• =easier to generalise
• reduction in demand characteristics

Question 6

Field experiment

* disadvantages

Answer 6

• less control over variables
• =replication more difficult
• ethical issues (informed consent/confidentiality)
• sample bias-participants not allocated randomly

Question 7

Natural experiment

*definition

Answer 7

*researcher does not manipulate naturally occurring independent variable

Question 8

Natural experiment

* advantages

Answer 8

• allows research when it is unethical to manipulate independent variable
• high ecological validity
• = no demand characteristics

Question 9

Natural experiment

*disadvantages

Answer 9

• almost impossible to replicate
• ethical issues (informed consent)
• observer bias - seeing what they want to see )
• no control over variables
• = difficult to establish cause and effect relationship due to uncertainty that the outcome is because of the IV

Question 10

5 non experimental methods

Answer 10

• Correlational Analysis
• Observational technique
• Questionnaire (self-report technique)
• Interview (self report technique)
• Case Studies

Question 11

Correlational analysis

*definition

Answer 11

Statistical technique that measures co variables
(+ve correlation is where a CoV increases as other CoV increases. Perfect +ve C = +1
-ve C is where CoV increases as other CoV decreases. Perfect -ve C = -1)

Question 12

Correlational analysis

* advantages

Answer 12

• allows prediction to be made which can lead to experiments if ethical to do so
• allows measurement of strength of relationship between CoV ( closer to perfect C = stronger relationship between CoV)
• no manipulation of variables

Question 13

Correlational analysis

* disadvantages

Answer 13

• quantification problem ( significance of result is based on sample size )
• correlation does not prove causation on ( extraneous variables)
• only works for linear relationships

Question 14

Observational techniques

*definition

Answer 14

Surveillance and recording of naturally occurring events

Question 15

Observational technique

*advantages

Answer 15

• high realism and external validities (observer undetected)
• few demand characteristics
• useful as a preliminary research tool (avoids unrealistic experiments=saves time and money)

Question 16

Observational technique

* disadvantages

Answer 16

• no control over the variables
• = replication is difficult
• observer bias = increase chance of demand characteristics

Question 17

Questionnaire

*Definition

Answer 17

Self-report method where ppts record their own answers to a pre-set list of questions

Question 18

Types of questions

Answer 18

• Closed - fixed responses(tick boxes) = produce quantitative data which are easier to analyse
• Open - allows ppts to answer using their own words ( topic + why Qs) = qualitative data and difficult to summarise
• Leading - worded in a way that may bias a respondents answer

Question 19

Questionnaires

* advantages

Answer 19

• quick - large amounts of information can be gathered
• large samples - info gathered from different kinds of people ( postal Qs)
• replicable

Question 20

Questionnaires

*Disadvantages

Answer 20

• problems with question wording (misunderstandings, ambiguity)
• social desirability / idealised answers
• low response rate

Question 21

Interviews (self-report)

*Definition

Answer 21

Self-report method where ppts answer questions in face to face situations

Question 22

Types of interviews

Answer 22

• Structured (formal)- same for all interviews, structured, does not deviate from topic,easy to analyse,less training
• unstructured (informal)- less controlled, has a particular topic, more difficult to analyse, greater validity
• semi-structured (both) - has prepared Qs +additional Qs for interviewee to expand on answers

Question 23

Interviews

* advantages

Answer 23

• Flexibility - Qs can be tailored so that issues can be explored in depth
• misunderstandings are easily cleared
• replication

Question 24

Interviews

* disadvantages

Answer 24

• demand characteristics - social desirability
• interviewer effects
• interviewer training

Question 25

Case studies

* definition

Answer 25

In-depth study over time of a case, usually a particular individual or a small group

Question 26

Case study

*Advantages

Answer 26

• rich detail - provide greater depth about individuals + acknowledges human diversity
• challenging existing theory - 1 CS can contradict a theory
• allows research in which it would be unethical to manipulate IV

Question 27

Case study

* disadvantages

Answer 27

• unreliable -no 2 case studies alike = affects generalisability
• researcher bias - difficult to determine factual info
• reliance on memory - case studies are usually dependent on ppts memory