Research methods of the cognitive approach

Question 1

What are the most common research methods used in cognitive psychology?

Answer 1

• Case studies
• Interviews
• Observations
• Experiments

Question 2

Case studies

Answer 2

These examine correlations between mental process and behavior. They sometimes focus on people with unusual mental abilities, or with mental processing problems. They can be longitudinal (several years) or re-interviewing at regular intervals. Case studies investigate mental process of one or a few people. They provide in-depth information about phenomena that cannot be studied experimentally

Question 3

Experiments (laboratory/field/quasi/natural)

Answer 3

To examine the links between brain activity, mental processing and behavior, psychologists design laboratory experiments + use brain imaging technology. Though mental processes are not being directly observed, these processes are inferred from the brain activity and the behavior.
Experiments are useful because they can identify cause-and-effects relationships between two or more variables.

Question 4

Observations

Answer 4

Observation is often part of case studies + experiments. They can be quantitative and qualitative, depending on how the data is collected. If the researcher uses a list of grid that involves checking whenever a particular behavior is exhibited -> then the data is quantitative. If the researcher makes notes about the behavior being observed and then writes down their own thoughts -> then it is qualitative

Question 5

Interviews

Answer 5

• Structured interviews comprise a checklist of questions with tick boxes of yes/no questions
• Unstructured interviews are similar to a conversation between two people (with a video/sound recorder). Interviews can be a mixture of closed questions that need factual answers and other more open-ended questions that allow the interviewer to expand and discuss. Focus group interviews involve the interviewer facilitating a discussion amongst a group of interviewees. The interview is used to gain access to the person’s mental processes through conversations about their behavior and feelings

Question 6

What are the ethical considerations in research into cognitive processes?

Answer 6

• Anonymity
• debriefing
• deception
• informed consent
• right to withdraw
• undue stress or harm