Research Methods & Techniques Flashcards
Name two types of experiments
- Field
- Laboratory
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment that takes place under controlled conditions.
Name an advantage of lab experiment
There is an Increase in the levels of control
Name a disadvantage of a lab experiment
Low ecological validity
What is a field experiment?
An experiment which takes place in a participants natural surrounding. For example, school
Name an advantage of field experiments
High in ecological validity due to the surroundings being more realistic
Name a disadvantage of a field experiment
Low levels of control
What could both field and lab experiments be classified as?
True experiments, as they both control the variables under investigation
What is a quasi experiment ?
An experiment which lacks random allocation to groups
What do experiments allow researchers to show?
Cause and effect
What is observational research?
In this research, scientists conduct a clinical or case study where they focus on one person or just a few individuals.
Limitations of observational research?
- often uses rare characteristics found in humans, which isn’t easily generalisable to society.
- hard to find rare participants
Why is observational research not experimental?
As None of the variables are being controlled
Naturalistic observation
Observing behaviour in its natural environment
Advantages of naturalist observation
- high validity (accuracy)
- easily generalisable
- can be ethically acceptable due to no disturbances if done correctly
Disadvantages of naturalistic observations
- difficult to set up
- no control over behaviours
- Requires lots of time and luck
Structured observation
The researcher decides in advance what sort of behaviour they are looking for and devises an observation checklist to complete during the observation.
Structured observation - data gathered?
Quantitative data - usually tally chart
Unstructured observation
Researcher records all the action
Unstructured observation- data generated ?
Quantitative or qualitative data
Participant observation
Where the researcher joins in the situation being observed.
Non-participant observation
The researcher watches from a distance and does not engage
Is a observation a experiment gal research method?
No - it’s a non-experimental
Ethically, what must happen to a participant?
Participants must be told that they are being observed. However if disciples this can alter behaviour and lead to observer effect.
Limitations of participant observations
- presence of the participants may make peoples suspicious, causing unauthentic behaviours recorded
Examples of participant observations
Rosenhan’s (1973) observation of a psychiatric ward
Festinger’s (1956) observation of a religious cult
Covert observations (under cover)
Participants are unaware they are being observed and this reduces demand characteristics.
No consent given
Overt observation (open)
Participants are aware they are being observed
More ethical, but can lead to demand characteristics
Controlled observation
The researcher has set up a situation using standard procedure and observed what happens - (lab setting).
No IV - so not an experiment
Mary Ainsworth’s (1969) Strange situation is an example
List the self report techniques
Questionnaires
Interviews
Questionnaires
A list of questions (survey)
Interviews
Involves a trainer Researcher asking participants questions face to face
What are the three types of interviews?
- Structured
- semi-structured
- unstructured
Structured interview
Follows a format and use pre-determined questions and notes
Semi-structured interviews
Begins with certain planned questions, but then can use spontaneous questions
Unstructured interview
Like everyday conversation
Asked unplanned questions
What’s a limitation of self report ?
Social desirability bias
- participants may alter their responses to try to look good
Strengths of interviews
- generate qualitative data (depth)
- Have validity
- can explain questions - so easier for participants
- semi can lead to serendipitous findings
Weaknesses of interviews
Researcher bias
Demand characteristics
Difficult to analyse
