Research Methods- methods and techniques Flashcards
What is a lab experiment?
When the experiment occurs in a controlled environment- the IV is manipulated by the researcher, they control as many extraneous variables as possible.
Strengths/ Weaknesses of Lab Experiments?
strength: high levels of reliability due to control over extraneous variables
weakness: lacks ecological validity (artificial environment)
What is a field experiment?
When the experiment occurs in the participants’ natural environment- IV is still manipulated to see effect on DV
strengths/ weaknesses of field experiments?
strength: high levels of ecological validity
weakness: low level of reliability- little to no control over extraneous variables
What is a quasi experiment?
When the IV in an experiment is not directly manipulated, as it is naturally occurring (e.g. a blind person vs a non blind person)
strengths/ weaknesses of quasi experiments?
strength: high ecological validity, high population validity
weakness: low reliability (both internal and external)
How is an observation used as a method?
No manipulation of variables, behaviour is just observed and recorded
(e.g. a student observes how often parents talk to their children in a supermarket)
How is an observation used as a technique?
It is used to gather info for another research method.
(e.g. the speed at which woodlice run away from red or blue light- the colour of the light (IV) is manipulated by researcher
What is a naturalistic observation?
Spontaneous behaviour is recorded in participants’ own, natural environment- researcher interference is kept to a minimum
strengths/ weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
strengths: high ecological validity, reduced chance of demand characteristics
weaknesses: lack of control (replication risks observer bias), ethical issues (lacks informed consent)
How could a naturalistic observation affect the validity of research?
- Higher validity- participants unlikely to know they’re being watched so reduced risk of observer bias
- Lower validity- more extraneous variables
What is a controlled observation?
Conditions of the experiment are created by the researcher- carried out in ‘lab type situation’
The variables are manipulated by researcher
strengths/ weaknesses of a controlled observation?
strengths: high reliability (researcher controls extraneous variables), informed consent
weaknesses: low ecological validity (artificial setting), increased demand characteristics and observer effects
What is a participant observation?
Observer joins in with activities with the group rather than just plain observing/ recording
strengths/ weaknesses of participant observations?
strengths: higher validity of findings (first-hand observation)
weaknesses: relies on observer’s memory= lower accuracy
What is a non- participant observation?
Observer doesn’t join in with activities, they observe ‘from a distance’ (e.g. sat at the back of a room)
strengths/ weaknesses of a non-participant observation?
strengths: allows lots of both qualitative and quantitative data to be collected
weakness: less validity
What is a covert observation?
Observer is hidden (undercover)
strengths/ weaknesses of a covert observation?
strength: lower chance of demand characteristics
weakness: ethical issues- deception, informed consent
What is an overt observation?
Observer is out in the open (visible to participants)
strengths/ weaknesses of overt observations?
strength: ethical issues avoided (informed consent, right to withdraw)
weakness: demand characteristics
What is a structured recording?
It uses a coding method and uses previously determined specific behaviours (behavioural categories) to look out for, therefore providing structure
strengths/ weaknesses of structured recordings?
strengths: high inter-rater reliability (consistent results), observer bias is reduced, time efficient, quantitative data is produced
weaknesses: lower validity (could miss out on other behaviours not written down)
What is an unstructured recording?
Any behaviours of interest aren’t clearly specified prior to observation- the observer makes notes on any behaviour that they see during the period