Research Methods Flashcards
Basic research
Increasing the scientific knowledge base
Applied research
Research to find solutions to specific problems
Quantitative data
Numerical type data
Qualitative data
Non-numerical and descriptive
Descriptive research
Describes general or specific behaviors/attributes that are observed and measured
Doesn’t test specific relationships, allows for further study
Case study
Observing one or a few individuals in depth, rare phenomena
Provides lots of information and allows for study that would otherwise be unethical
Unrepresentative to average population
Survey method
Allows for private information and lots of data on large groups
People don’t always give accurate responses
Wording affect
Possible effects on participants caused by the order or choice of words
Self report data
Relies on individuals on rapport other symptoms, behaviors, beliefs or attitude
Naturalistic observation
Careful observation of animals or people in their natural environment
Allows for direct observation and useful first stage of research
Doesn’t give the researcher a lot of control, no cause or effect conclusions
Laboratory observation
Involves and observing behavior in a contrived and control the situation
Observer effect
When people know they’re being watched they are less likely to behave naturally
Observer/research bias
Observers who are closely involved in the research may skew observations to fit their research expectations
Hawthorne effect
Individuals may change their behavior due to attention they are receiving rather than manipulation of variables
Correlational studies
Research used to see if two variables are related and make predictions based on the relationship
Correlation is not
Causation