Research studies Flashcards
Case studies
Case studies are examples of research into a particular individual, group of people or organisation.
In contrast to other research techniques such as experimentation and correlation, case studies aim to provide a more detailed and holistic analysis of the behaviour of the individual or group under investigation and, as a result, require lengthier periods of time to carry out.
Historically, the case study has always been an important tool in medicine and therapy but in modern psychology, its use has expanded considerably hence it is now also used extensively in medical, educational and workplace psychology.
Experiments
To answer a research question, a psychologist may conduct an experiment.
This is often called a ‘laboratory’ experiment (because of where it usually takes place) or a ‘true’ experiment.
This setting allows the investigator to control the environment to determine if a change in the Independent Variable (IV) causes a change in the Dependent Variable (DV).
To be confident that a cause and effect relationship does exist, all other variables are controlled as best as possible. Variables that interfere with the action of the IV on the DV are called confounding variables.
