Research methods Flashcards
GOALS OF RESEARCH IN CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
Description: identify behaviours at different
points during development
Explanation: determining the causes that produce
changes in behaviour
FOUR BASIC RESEARCH DESIGNS USED
IN PSYCHOLOGY
- Descriptive research
- Correlational research
- Quasi-experimental research
- Experimental research
Define descriptive research
Research based solely on observations, with no attempt to determine systematic relations between variables
Drawback of descriptive research
Tells us nothing about mechanisms of change
Define correlation studies
Discovering the relationship between two variables in terms of direction and strength. Allows for systematic relationships to be established
Drawbacks of correlation studies (3)
Correlation does not imply causation
Third variable
Direction problem
Define quasi-experimental studies
Comparison of groups differing on one key characteristic
Define experimental studies
Use of randomized groups to observe changes on the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated.
Drawbacks of quasi-experimental studies
The defining characteristic that differs between groups could also carry other differences that are not accounted for between the groups
THREE METHODS FOR STUDYING
DEVELOPMENT
- Cross-sectional research
- Longitudinal research
- Cross-sequential research
Cross-sectional research
People of different ages are studied simultaneously to determine differences between them on a variety of issues, such as develpment or behaviour
Define Longitudinal studies, and potential drawbacks
Follow same group of people as they age, observing changes
Drawbacks: •Attrition, lengthy, practice, costly, instruments become
outdated
Cross sequential study
Combines longitudinal and cross sectional approaches.. Eliminates the cohort effect by comparing t x different groups every y number of years, and observing changes between the groups at the same stage of development
Describe the ethical principles associated with
children’s participation in research
- right not to be harmed
- human dignity
- realize the vulnerability of child
- susceptible to pressure from adults
Drawbacks of descriptive research
Observer influence: subjects act differently when they know they are being watched
Strengths of experimental research (3)
i. Can be applied to a wide variety of settings
ii. Can show cause and effect, etc
iii. Random selection prevents skewed data, cohort effects
Weaknesses of quasi-experimental research
Since the independent variable cannot be manipulated in the groups they are studying, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited.
Disadvantages of cross-sectional research (2)
cohort effect
cant examine persistence of traits in children of different ages, because all the kids are different
strengths of longitudinal procedures
answer questions such as “what are the effects of certain experiences on later behaviour” or “what is the stability of a behaviour like”
Define inhibition
tendency to respond in a negative
manner to an unfamiliar situation
Drawbacks of longitudinal studies
- attrition
- very expensive and long
- kids may become “test wise” from taking the same test repeatedly
advantages of cross-sequential approach
- allows both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons to be made
- Allows researchers to examine for cohort and repeated testing
3 things about ethics in children in research
- right not to be harmed
- children are vulnerable, less able to evaluate the pros and cons
- consent must be given by child and parent
