Research methods of the biological approach

Question 1

What are the most common research methods used in the biological approach?

Answer 1

• correlational studies
• case studies
• experiments

Question 2

Correlational studies

Answer 2

Correlational research measures the relationship between two variables that are themselves not manipulated. The biological approach focuses on finding a relationship between a behavior and inherited traits (this relationship is called the amount of heritability that a behavior has). Usually used in twin studies, adoption studies, and relationships between behaviors and activity in certain brain areas

Question 3

Case studies

Answer 3

A case study involves the in-depth and detailed study of an individual or a particular group in order to obtain a deep understanding of behavior. This method is usually favored in neuropsychology in order to establish a relationship between the brain and a specific behavior. Such research can help inform existing biological theories + could lead to the development of new theories

Question 4

What are the key features of true and quasi-experiments in psychology?

Answer 4

True experiments involve manipulating an independent variable (IV), measuring its effect on a dependent variable (DV), and controlling all other variables. Participants are randomly assigned to groups, allowing researchers to determine a cause-and-effect relationship. These are often conducted in laboratory settings.

Quasi-experiments do not use random assignment. Instead, participants are grouped by pre-existing traits (e.g. gender, age, class). IVs may or may not be manipulated, and control of other variables is limited. Therefore, the relationship found is correlational, not causal. An example is Maguire’s study, which lacked a manipulated IV.

Animal experiments are also used, as animals don’t show participant expectations—but ethical concerns are often raised.

Question 5

What are the ethical guidelines that must be met in human research?

Answer 5

• The participants must have given informed consent
• they should not be deceived, or any deception necessary for the validity of the findings shows be minimal and revealed at the debrief
• Confidentiality must be maintained
• they should be debriefed after the study
• they should always be allowed to withdraw themselves + their data at any time
• they should no be harmed psychologically or physically