research methods

Question 1

Lab Experiments

Answer 1

involves manipulation of variables to establish cause + effect relationships
the key features are: controlled methods + random allocation of participants into CONTROL & EXPERIMENTAL groups
hypothesis is scientifically tested
IV vs DV
usually highly controlled conditions where accurate measurements are possible
standardised instructions + procedures
RANDOM ALLOCATION
easier to replicate & allows for control of extraneous variables → CAUSE + EFFECT RELATIONSHIP CAN BE ESTABLISHED
BLOA: Thorne et al (2002) or Antonova et al (2011)
CLOA: Glanzer & Cunitz (1966)
SCLOA: Tajfel et al (1971)

Question 2

Quasi / Naturalistic

Answer 2

Experimenter cannot manipulate the IV, so DV is simply measured & judged as the effect of the IV
Similar to quasi-experiments, in that two pre-existing variables are measured
No control over variables as the IV occurs naturally in real life
MAY BE in natural setting → high ecological validity
Can be used in situations in which it would be unethical to manipulate the IV
OBSERVATIONAL studies
Correlational in nature
Subjects might behave differently if aware of being observed → also ethical issues like what if they don’t want to be observed?
Also open to researcher bias
BLOA: Maguire et al (2000) or Bechara et al (2000)
CLOA: Bechara et al (2000)
SCLOA: Steele & Aronson (1995) / Becker et al (2002)

Question 3

Correlational Studies

Answer 3

When researchers measure the strength of a relationship b/w co-variables by calculating a correlation coefficient
No manipulation of variables
Useful if researchers are unable to perform an experiment due to ethical / other reasons
No causation
Similar to the naturalistic observation method
BLOA: Natsuaki et al (most gene studies)
SCLOA: Shah et al (2015)

Question 4

Case studies

Answer 4

In-depth investigations of an individual, small group, or organisaation
Rely on the use of a number of different methods, both quantitative & qualitative, to gather data
Includes observations, questionnaires, interviews, & tests
In studies on B&B, researchers find participants w/ damage to particular brain areas
Case studies provide existence proof → documentation that a given psychological phenomena CAN occur
Can offer insights for later systematic testing - through correlational / experimental designs
BUT, case studies are typically anecdotal, so NO CAUSATION
BLOA: HM
CLOA: HM