Research methods Flashcards
Quantitative research
Uses numbers and statistical methods to analyze data.
Example: A survey measuring stress levels on a scale of 1-10.
Qualitative
Uses non-numerical data like interviews and observations.
Focuses on understanding people’s experiences.
Example: A case study on how students feel about online learning
What does the reductionist approach do?
Breaks down complex behavior into smaller components.
Give an example of the reductionist approach.
Studying memory by focusing only on brain function.
What does the holistic approach focus on?
Looks at the whole system instead of isolated parts.
Give an example of the holistic approach.
Studying mental health by considering social, biological, and psychological factors.
What is a lab study?
Conducted in a controlled environment.
What is a field study?
Conducted in a natural environment.
What is an advantage of field study?
Higher ecological validity.
What is an advantage of lab study?
More control over variables.
What do retrospective studies focus on?
Looks at past data to find patterns.
Give an example of a retrospective study.
Studying past medical records to see if smoking leads to lung disease.
What are prospective studies?
Follows participants into the future to see outcomes.
Give an example of a prospective study.
Tracking a group of smokers for 10 years to see who develops lung disease.
What is longitudinal research?
Studies the same individuals over a long period.
What is an advantage of longitudinal research?
Can track development and long-term changes.
What is a disadvantage of longitudinal research?
Expensive, time-consuming, participants may drop out.
Give an example of longitudinal research.
Studying a child’s language development from age 2 to 10.
What is cross-sectional research?
Studies different age groups at one point in time.
What is an advantage of cross-sectional research?
Quick and cost-effective.
What is a disadvantage of cross-sectional research?
Cannot track individual changes over time.
Give an example of cross-sectional research.
Comparing vocabulary skills of 5-year-olds and 10-year-olds at the same time.
What is validity in research?
How well a study measures what it claims to measure.
What is internal validity?
The extent to which the study accurately shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
Give an example of high internal validity.
A study on sleep and memory that is well-controlled.
What is construct validity?
Whether the study measures the intended concept.
Give an example of high construct validity.
A math test that truly measures math ability.
What is external validity?
Whether the results can be generalized to other settings, people, or situations.
What is ecological validity?
A type of external validity—how well the study applies to real-life settings.
What is population validity?
A type of external validity—how well the study results apply to different groups of people.
What does it mean if a study is reliable?
Its results can be replicated.
Give an example of a reliable study.
If an IQ test gives similar results each time.
