Research Methods - Descriptive Research

Question 1

Define: descriptive research

Answer 1

Research method which focuses on studying or describing one or more aspects of thoughts, feelings or behaviour as they occur at a given time or place.

Question 2

Define: case study

Answer 2

An intensive, in depth investigation of some behaviour or event of interest in an individual, small group or situation

Question 3

3 advantages and disadvantages of case studies?

Answer 3

Good for obtaining info for research and hypotheses
Control variables aren’t needed
Can research “unethical” topics

Can’t test hypothesis
Small sample size means weak conclusions
Researcher and participant bias

Question 4

define: observational study

Answer 4

Collection of data by carefully watching and recording behaviour as it occurs

Question 5

Define: observation

Answer 5

Any means by which an observable event (including data which represents the event) is studied

Question 6

Define: naturalistic observation

Answer 6

Watching participants in their natural habitat, without their knowledge
eg. watching children at a playground through a one way window

Question 7

Define: non-participant observation

Answer 7

Researchers try to conceal their presence while making observations, usually in a field setting
Eg. pretending to read a book on a park bench while observing people’s reactions to street kids

Question 8

Define: participant observation

Answer 8

Researchers participate in the activity and pretend to be part of the group to gain information
Eg. Rosenhan’s classic research

Question 9

Define: observer bias

Answer 9

The researcher distorts what they see into what they hope to see

Question 10

3 advantages and disadvantages of observational studies?

Answer 10

Natural environment means accurate info
Can research “unethical” topics
Doesn’t require participant cooperation

Takes time because researcher can’t control events
doesn’t determine the cause of the behaviour
Observer bias