Research Methods of Psychology

Question 1

Why psychological science?

Answer 1

psychological practice should be based on the best available research evidence

Question 2

Characteristics of a good theory/hypothesis

Answer 2

• fits the known facts
• makes NEW testable predictions
• it’s falsifiable

Question 3

characteristics of Naturalistic Observation

Answer 3

• observation without interference

PROS

• in-depth observation of behaviour in natural setting, not contrived
• can provide new insights

CONS
- Reactivity: difficult to remain unobtrusive

Question 4

characteristics of Case Study

Answer 4

• in-depth investigation of an individual person/situation

PROS
- Can provide rich, compelling data to support a theory

CONS

• may not represent general population
• consider subjectivity

Question 5

characteristics of Surveys

Answer 5

Use of questionnaires/interviews to gather information about a specific behaviour

PROS

• data on difficult to observe behaviour
• data from a large sample

CONS
- self-reported data can be unreliable

Question 6

characteristics of Correlational Research

Answer 6

• Looking for relationships among variables

PROS
- useful for studying variables that the researcher cant manipulated

CONS
- Can demonstrate the existence of a relationship but not its causality
(correlation DOES NOT imply causality)

Question 7

Characteristics of Experimental Research?

Answer 7

• manipulation of 1 variable (INDEPENDENT)
• to see its effect on another variable (DEPENDENT)
• while holding al other variables constant