research methods

Question 1

empirical evidence

Answer 1

based on scientific research

Question 2

anecdotal evidence

Answer 2

based on personal experience

Question 3

quantitative data

Answer 3

gathering numerical data, usually found in experimental

Question 4

qualitative data

Answer 4

textural written data, interviews, case studies

Question 5

operationalising

Answer 5

being specific about a variable

Question 6

true experiments

Answer 6

QUANTITATIVE
(lab experiments)
-goal is to establish cause and effect relationship between two variables

Question 7

field experiment

Answer 7

QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship between two variables, but in real world settings

Question 8

quasi experiment

Answer 8

QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship when the IV is naturally occurring in the participants

Question 9

natural experiment

Answer 9

QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship when IV is naturally occurring event outside experimenters control

Question 10

correlation

Answer 10

QUANTITATIVE
-investigating if there is a relationship between the two variables, used when it may not be ethically possible

Question 11

naturalistic observation: participant

Answer 11

QUALITATIVE
-collecting data from participants by observing them in natural settings, researcher is actively involved in community

Question 12

naturalistic observation: non-participant

Answer 12

QUALITATIVE
-collecting data from participant by observing them in their natural setting, researcher does not interact with community

Question 13

naturalistic observation: overt

Answer 13

QUANTITATIVE
-collecting data from participant in natural environment, while participants are unaware they are being studied, no demand characteristics

Question 14

case studies

Answer 14

QUALITATIVE
-focusing on single individual or group that is unusual, collecting a variety of detailed data (method triangulation) over time.

Question 15

unstructured interviews

Answer 15

QUALITATIVE
-interview including broad topics of discussion, questions based on previous responses

Question 16

semi- structured interviews

Answer 16

QUALITATIVE
-more flexible structured interview, pre-made set of questions, interviewer may move away from this

Question 17

focus group

Answer 17

QUALITATIVE
-8-12 people interviewed together about common topic, sharing similar experiences, researcher monitors discussion, keeping on topic

Question 18

random sampling strengths and weakness

Answer 18

-every member has equal chance of being selected , takes in account of all characteristics of target population
+ no researcher bias. good representation
- larger population needed, still some bias

Question 19

opportunity sampling strengths and weakness

Answer 19

• most easily available (convenience sampling)
  + quick, easy, cheap
• lacks representativeness, bias

Question 20

self selected sampling strengths and weakness

Answer 20

-participant volunteers, usually in form of adverts
+ quick, wide coverage, easy recruit
- lacks representativeness, participants may share same characteristics

Question 21

ethical guidelines

Answer 21

1. informed consent
2. protection from harm
3. right to withdraw
4. confidentiality and anonymity
5. deception and debriefing