Research methods

Question 1

GOALS OF RESEARCH IN CHILD

DEVELOPMENT

Answer 1

Description: identify behaviours at different
points during development

Explanation: determining the causes that produce
changes in behaviour

Question 2

FOUR BASIC RESEARCH DESIGNS USED

IN PSYCHOLOGY

Answer 2

2. 1. Descriptive research
3. 2. Correlational research
4. 3. Quasi-experimental research
5. 4. Experimental research

Question 3

Define descriptive research

Answer 3

Research based solely on observations, with no attempt to determine systematic relations between variables

Question 4

Drawback of descriptive research

Answer 4

Tells us nothing about mechanisms of change

Question 5

Define correlation studies

Answer 5

Discovering the relationship between two variables in terms of direction and strength. Allows for systematic relationships to be established

Question 6

Drawbacks of correlation studies (3)

Answer 6

Correlation does not imply causation

Third variable

Direction problem

Question 7

Define quasi-experimental studies

Answer 7

Comparison of groups differing on one key characteristic

Question 8

Define experimental studies

Answer 8

Use of randomized groups to observe changes on the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated.

Question 9

Drawbacks of quasi-experimental studies

Answer 9

The defining characteristic that differs between groups could also carry other differences that are not accounted for between the groups

Question 10

THREE METHODS FOR STUDYING

DEVELOPMENT

Answer 10

3. 1. Cross-sectional research
4. 2. Longitudinal research
5. 3. Cross-sequential research

Question 11

Cross-sectional research

Answer 11

People of different ages are studied simultaneously to determine differences between them on a variety of issues, such as develpment or behaviour

Question 12

Define Longitudinal studies, and potential drawbacks

Answer 12

Follow same group of people as they age, observing changes
Drawbacks: •Attrition, lengthy, practice, costly, instruments become
outdated

Question 13

Cross sequential study

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Describe the ethical principles associated with

children’s participation in research

Answer 14

• right not to be harmed
• human dignity
• realize the vulnerability of child
• susceptible to pressure from adults

Question 15

Drawbacks of descriptive research

Answer 15

Observer influence: subjects act differently when they know they are being watched

Question 16

Strengths of experimental research (3)

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Weaknesses of quasi-experimental research

Answer 17

Since the independent variable cannot be manipulated in the groups they are studying, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited.

Question 18

Disadvantages of cross-sectional research (2)

Answer 18

cohort effect

cant examine persistence of traits in children of different ages, because all the kids are different

Question 19

strengths of longitudinal procedures

Answer 19

answer questions such as “what are the effects of certain experiences on later behaviour” or “what is the stability of a behaviour like”

Question 20

Define inhibition

Answer 20

tendency to respond in a negative

manner to an unfamiliar situation

Question 21

Drawbacks of longitudinal studies

Answer 21

1. attrition
2. very expensive and long
3. kids may become “test wise” from taking the same test repeatedly

Question 22

advantages of cross-sequential approach

Answer 22

1. allows both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons to be made
2. Allows researchers to examine for cohort and repeated testing

Question 23

3 things about ethics in children in research

Answer 23

1. right not to be harmed
2. children are vulnerable, less able to evaluate the pros and cons
3. consent must be given by child and parent