research methods Flashcards
empirical evidence
based on scientific research
anecdotal evidence
based on personal experience
quantitative data
gathering numerical data, usually found in experimental
qualitative data
textural written data, interviews, case studies
operationalising
being specific about a variable
true experiments
QUANTITATIVE
(lab experiments)
-goal is to establish cause and effect relationship between two variables
field experiment
QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship between two variables, but in real world settings
quasi experiment
QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship when the IV is naturally occurring in the participants
natural experiment
QUANTITATIVE
-investigating relationship when IV is naturally occurring event outside experimenters control
correlation
QUANTITATIVE
-investigating if there is a relationship between the two variables, used when it may not be ethically possible
naturalistic observation: participant
QUALITATIVE
-collecting data from participants by observing them in natural settings, researcher is actively involved in community
naturalistic observation: non-participant
QUALITATIVE
-collecting data from participant by observing them in their natural setting, researcher does not interact with community
naturalistic observation: overt
QUANTITATIVE
-collecting data from participant in natural environment, while participants are unaware they are being studied, no demand characteristics
case studies
QUALITATIVE
-focusing on single individual or group that is unusual, collecting a variety of detailed data (method triangulation) over time.
unstructured interviews
QUALITATIVE
-interview including broad topics of discussion, questions based on previous responses
semi- structured interviews
QUALITATIVE
-more flexible structured interview, pre-made set of questions, interviewer may move away from this
focus group
QUALITATIVE
-8-12 people interviewed together about common topic, sharing similar experiences, researcher monitors discussion, keeping on topic
random sampling strengths and weakness
-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
opportunity sampling strengths and weakness
- most easily available (convenience sampling)
+ quick, easy, cheap - lacks representativeness, bias
self selected sampling strengths and weakness
-participant volunteers, usually in form of adverts
+ quick, wide coverage, easy recruit
- lacks representativeness, participants may share same characteristics
ethical guidelines
- informed consent
- protection from harm
- right to withdraw
- confidentiality and anonymity
- deception and debriefing
