RM2 Flashcards
explain how the study might be improved by using a matched pairs design
It makes elements that influence of participants variable therefore making it more reliable
Limitations of Standard deviation
May hide some characteristics of the data set eg extreme values
Strengths of Standard deviation
- is a precise measure of dispersion as it takes all the exact values into account
Strengths of Mode
- Unaffected by extreme values
- It is much more useful for discrete data.
The only method that can be used when data is in categories i.e nominal data
Strengths of median
not affected by extreme scores -
Appropriate for ordinal (ranked) data
- it can be wiser to calculate the mean
Limitations of Median
- Not as sensitive as the mean as the exact values are not reflected in the final calculation
Limitations of Mean
Can be biased by skewed (overlying) scores.
- often mean score is not one of the original scores (2.4) -
Can not be very representative of the data at times eg average family is 2.4 children
Strengths of mean
Most sensitive measure of central tendency includes all the raw data. Most suitable for interval or ratio state
Limitations of Case studies
difficult to generalise from individuals cases as each 1 has unique characteristics.
- More ethical issues such as confidentiality
- it is often necessary to use recollection of past events of the case history and may be unreliable.
- Researchers may lack objectivity as they get to know that case, or as theoretical bias may lead to them to overlook aspects of findings
Strengths of a case study
- Provides rich, in-depth data, so informs that may be overlooked using other methods is likely to be identified.
- useful to investigate instances of human behaviour and experience that are rare eg cases of people with brain damage responding to event such a london riots
Complex interaction of many factors can be studies in contrast with experiments where many variables are held constant
Case study
A research investigation that involves a detailed study of a single individual, institution or event.
Limitations Content analysis
Observer has reduced the objectivity and validity findings as different observers may interpret the meaning of behavioural categories differently.
Lack reliability and internal validity
Strengths of Content Analysis
Based on observations - real communication that are current and relevant eg recent newspapers. High ecological validity
- When sources can be retained or accessed by others eg back copies of magazines or videos of people. Finding can be replicated
Content analysis
A observational study in which behaviour is observed indirectly in written or verbal material eg interviews, conversations, books, diaries or TV shows
Limitations of Meta analysis
The studies are not truly comparable. - Conclusion may not all be valid
