Research Methods Flashcards
Research Methods Types
- Experimental Method
- Correlational Method
Correlational Method Types
- Interview
- Survey
- Observational studies
- Case Study
Experimental Method Types
- True Experiment
- Field Experiment
- Quasi Experiment
True Experiment Characteristics
- Manipulated IV
- Controls all the other variables (to avoid confounding variables)
- Takes place in a laboratory (artificial environment)
- Controlled environment
- Standardised procedures (directions given are the same for all pps)
- Analyses data with both descirptive and inferential statistics
True Experiment Strenghts
- Establishes cause-effect relationship
- Variable control
- Accuracy of measurments-objectivty
- Easy to replicate (increases reliability of results)
True Experiment Limitations
- Lack of ecological validty (artificiality)
- Results may be biased (demand characteristics + experimenter effects)
- Deception occasionally necessary
Field Experiment Characteristics
- Manipulated IV
- Takes place in a natural environment
Field Experiment Strengths
- High ecological validity
- Little bias from demand characteristics
Field Experiment Limitaitons
- Risk of bias from confounding variables because there is less control
- Nearly impossible to replicate exactly
- More difficult to record data accurately
- Possible ethical issues (informed consent, exposure to unpleasant situations, invasion of privacy)
Quasi Experiment Characteristics
- IV naturaly occuring (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.)
- Research does not manipluate variables by records possible effects of a variable (IV) on another (DV)
Quasi Experiment Strenghts
- High ecological validty
- Little bias from demand characteristics
Quasi Experiment Limitations
- Impossible to establish cause-effet relationship
- Impossible to replicate exactly
- Ethical issues (consent, deception, invasion of privacy)
Interview Characteristics
- Collects data from individuals by asking them (self-report method)
- Usually face-to-face
- Can be structured (interview schedule states qs and the order they will be asked, often closed questions)
- Can be unstrucutred (qs are informal, free flowing and resemble a probing conversation)
- Can be semi-structured (interview scheudle with specified questions but more formal and flexible)
Interview Strenghts
- Detailed information can be obtained and avoids oversimplifying complex issues
- Greater attention to individual’s point of view
- Unstructured, casual interviews may encourage openness in answers
Interview Limitations
- Difficult to analyse if unstructured and qualitative in nature
- Time-consuming, expensive
- Possible interviewer effects. For example, people affected by attractiveness of interviewer
Survey Characteristics
- Used to collect data from larger groups
- Contain broad range of goals
- Useful for evaluating large scale campaigns
Survey Strengths
- Possible to collect data in a relatively quick and easy way
- Access to information not available to direct observation
- Many objectives can be studied at the same time
- Uses random samples that can be generalised to a larger target population
Survey Limitations
- Researcher does not manipulate the variables
- Not possible to establish cause-effect relationship
- Self-report data may be affected by response bias and social desirability bias
Case Study Characteristics
- Detailed account of a single individual or group withing their unique situation
Case Study Strengths
- Gives detailed descriptions of an event, organisation, or the progress of patient in therapy
- Challenged preconcieved ideas about a phenomenon
- Provides insight into a behaviour
- Stimulated research into a particular phenomenon
Case Study Limitations
- Researcher bias
- Researcher must be well trained because multiple methods are used to collect data (interviewing, observing)
- Difficult to replicate
- Often subjective
- Costly in terms of time and money
- Small sample
- Low generazibility (findings specific to the case)
- No cause-effect relationship
Observational Studies Characteristics
- Can be participant (observer takes part in the situation being studied while doing the research)
- Can be non-participant (observer is not part of the situation being studied)
- Can be overt (pariticipants are wholly aware of being obersved)
- Can be covert (participants are not aware of being studied and have not agreed to it)
Observational Studies Strengths
- Done in a natural environment
- The behaviour studied occurs in real life
Observational Studies Limitations
- Pps are observed and may be affected by being observed
- Pps may have expectations about the study and want to make a good impression (demand characteristics)
