Research Methods Part 2

Question 1

Quantitive +-

Answer 1

Numerical can be analysed
+ easy to analyse and display
- lack meaning and convex usually from closed questions

Question 2

Qualitative +-

Answer 2

Language based more opinions .
+ rich in detail more accurate .
- researcher bias ( interpretation from researcher )

Question 3

Case studies +-

Answer 3

+ rich in detail provide insights .
- issues with generalisation .

Question 4

Pilot study

Answer 4

Small scale trial run if investigation to identify any issues

Question 5

Types of observations

Answer 5

Naturalistic vs controlled
Overt vs covert
Non participant vs participant

Question 6

Naturalistic observation +-

Answer 6

In an unaltered setting where it happens normally e.g shopping centre
+ high ecological validity
- reliability, the same situation is not replicable

Question 7

Controlled observation +-

Answer 7

Conditions controlled by researcher e.g lab where extraneous variables like temperature can be controlled.
+replicated
-lacks ecological , unnatural for participant

Question 8

Overt +-

Answer 8

Observation is open and people know they’re being observed e.g filming people.
+no ethical issues , got consent .
-investigator effects , facial expressions

Question 9

Covert +-

Answer 9

Participants unaware they’re being observed e.g one way mirror.
+less likely for investigator effects .
- ethical issues .

Question 10

Non participant observation +-

Answer 10

Person conducting observation doesn’t participate .
+less likely for investigator effects .
-lack of proximity to participant may miss behaviours .

Question 11

Participant observation +-

Answer 11

Person conducting observation also takes part .
+can obtain in depth data and less likely to overlook any behaviours .
-investigator effects .

Question 12

Observational designs

Answer 12

Unstructured and structured

Question 13

Unstructured design -

Answer 13

No ore determined system for how it will be recorded.
- prone to researcher bias as no objective so write down what they want .

Question 14

Structured design +

Answer 14

Pre determined stayed , behavioural categories ( list of more specific , tallied.)
+ has an aim so more reliable data .

Question 15

Event sampling +-

Answer 15

Observer tallies how many times an event occurs
+ all relevant behaviours recorded .
- some behaviours may be missed .

Question 16

Time sampling +-

Answer 16

Records behaviours at specific intervals .
+ good if your observing behaviours for a long time .
-not every behaviour is counted .

Question 17

Open and closed questions +-

Answer 17

O + less chance of researcher bias
- qualitative data is less easy to analyse.
C + qualitative data .
- limits answers .

Question 18

Assessing reliability

Answer 18

Inter observer reliability (2 or ,ore observe separately and compare data and create correlation 0.8 and above is good.)
Test re test - same test 1-2 weeks later compared then correlation.

Question 19

Improving reliability

Answer 19

Observation - operationalise behavioural categories .
Questionnaire - make easy questions .
Experiments - ensure all participants experience same situation .

Question 20

Validity internal vs external

Answer 20

Accuracy
I- are the effects due to the change in the IV
E- ecological ( generalised ? ) + temporal ( can findings be applied to other historical times ?

Question 21

Assessing validity Face validity vs concurrent

Answer 21

F- does the IQ test look like is testing intelligence .
C - comparing new test with similar old tests .

Question 22

Improving validity

Answer 22

Observations - naturalistic
Questionnaires - make anonymous