Research Methods 1 - methods and techniques Flashcards
Laboratory experiment
*Definition
*experiment conducted in a controlled environment allowing establishment of causality
Name the experimental methods
Laboratory experiment
Field experiment
Natural experiment
Lab exp
* advantages
- 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
Lab exp
*disadvantages
- 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
Field experiment
*definition
*experiment conducted on natural ‘real life’ surroundings where independent variable is manipulated
Field experiment
* advantages
- high ecological validity
- =easier to generalise
- reduction in demand characteristics
Field experiment
* disadvantages
- less control over variables
- =replication more difficult
- ethical issues (informed consent/confidentiality)
- sample bias-participants not allocated randomly
Natural experiment
*definition
*researcher does not manipulate naturally occurring independent variable
Natural experiment
* advantages
- allows research when it is unethical to manipulate independent variable
- high ecological validity
- = no demand characteristics
Natural experiment
*disadvantages
- 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
5 non experimental methods
- Correlational Analysis
- Observational technique
- Questionnaire (self-report technique)
- Interview (self report technique)
- Case Studies
Correlational analysis
*definition
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)
Correlational analysis
* advantages
- 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
Correlational analysis
* disadvantages
- quantification problem ( significance of result is based on sample size )
- correlation does not prove causation on ( extraneous variables)
- only works for linear relationships
Observational techniques
*definition
Surveillance and recording of naturally occurring events
Observational technique
*advantages
- high realism and external validities (observer undetected)
- few demand characteristics
- useful as a preliminary research tool (avoids unrealistic experiments=saves time and money)
Observational technique
* disadvantages
- no control over the variables
- = replication is difficult
- observer bias = increase chance of demand characteristics
Questionnaire
*Definition
Self-report method where ppts record their own answers to a pre-set list of questions
Types of questions
- 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
Questionnaires
* advantages
- quick - large amounts of information can be gathered
- large samples - info gathered from different kinds of people ( postal Qs)
- replicable
Questionnaires
*Disadvantages
- problems with question wording (misunderstandings, ambiguity)
- social desirability / idealised answers
- low response rate
Interviews (self-report)
*Definition
Self-report method where ppts answer questions in face to face situations
Types of interviews
- 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
Interviews
* advantages
- Flexibility - Qs can be tailored so that issues can be explored in depth
- misunderstandings are easily cleared
- replication
Interviews
* disadvantages
- demand characteristics - social desirability
- interviewer effects
- interviewer training
Case studies
* definition
In-depth study over time of a case, usually a particular individual or a small group
Case study
*Advantages
- 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
Case study
* disadvantages
- 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
