research methods Flashcards
Research methodologies
Controlled experiment
Refers to an experiment that measures the effect of the IV on the DV whilst controlling other extraneous variables
Case study
An in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or particular phenomenon
(activity, behaviour, event, or problem) that contains a real or hypothetical situation and
includes the complexities that would be encountered in the real world.
Correlational study
When the researcher observes to find the correlation/relationship between different variables without outside manipulation
Classification
the arrangement of
phenomena, objects,
or events into
manageable sets
Identification
process
of recognition of
phenomena as belonging
to particular sets or
possibly being part of
a new or unique set
Fieldwork
A research investigation that involves the observation and interaction with people in real world settingd beyond the labratory
Literature review
The process of collating and analysaing seconday data related to other people’s scientific findings in order to provide background information or aid with generating primary data
Modelling
The construction of a model representative of an object of a conceptual model representative of a system
Product, process or system development
Refers to the design or evaluation of an artefact process or system to meet a human need which may involve technilogical applications additional to scientific knowledge and procedures.
Simulation
Refers to the process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system.
Advantages for controlled experiments
They allow researchers to infer causal
relationships between, and draw conclusions
about, specific variables.
* They provide researchers with a high level of
control over conditions and variables.
* They follow a strictly controlled procedure so
it can be repeated to check results.
* They can allow researchers to test hypotheses
more quickly than in real-world settings.
* The high control of variables may mean
prevention of extraneous and confounding
variables
Disadvantages for controlled experiments
As they are often conducted in a laboratory or
highly controlled setting, the setting may not be
reflective of real life. This may affect participants’
responses.
* Because experiments involve human control
and manipulation of variables, they are open to
researcher error or ‘experimenter effects’.
* It can be time-consuming and expensive to
manipulate and measure certain variables.
* Confounding or extraneous variables can still occur.
