study basics

Question 1

case study basic AO1

Answer 1

• Case studies are unique cases (usually studying brain damage).
• Case studies are typically naturally occurring circumstances.
• Case studies are useful in studying rare cases, where the situation cannot be tested
  experimentally.
• Case studies are often intensive and detailed.
• The case study is often conducted under naturalistic conditions.
• Case studies are usually longitudinal, occurring over long periods of time, not just a one- off experiment.
• Case studies often use a variety of research methods to establish validity of findings e.g.,
  Observations, psychological tests, interviews can be used to ensure findings from one
  method are validated by findings from other methods. This is called triangulation of data.

Question 2

correlations basic A01

Answer 2

• Correlations are where you looking for a relationship between two variables.
• Correlations use quantitative data of at least ordinal (ordinal or interval).
• Correlations can use either primary or secondary data.
• There are no IV or DV’s, just co-variables.
• Three types: positive, negative or no correlation.
• Correlation coefficients (strength of correlation) is measure from -1 (strong negative), 0 (no correlation), 1 (strong positive).

Question 3

twin studies basic A01

Answer 3

• We find a set of twins where at least one of them has a specific characteristic i.e., both having Schizophrenia.
• Monozygotic (MZ, identical 100% DNA and environment) & Dizygotic (DZ , non-identical only
  50% DNA) twins are both used to see how likely it is that if one twin has the disorder so will
  the other one.
• Concordance rates (how many times does the second twin have the same trait) are compared
  to see if it gives evidence that the amount of genetic material shared indicates the likelihood
  of both suffering from schizophrenia.
• Researchers will use a variety of strategies to ensure the allocation to MZ or DZ is accurate
  (e.g., DNA testing).
• Whilst twins reared together will share the same environment only identical twins share the same genes
• One example of a twin study in Psychology is Brendgen.

Question 4

adoption study basic A01

Answer 4

• We find an adopted parent/adopted child with a specific trait and we look at how many of
  their biological family members (usually parents) and adopted family members also share that trait (and compare those two concordances).
• Researchers look at the frequency with which a trait occurs in children living with a parent
  who has that same trait.
• They also look at rates for children of people with that trait who have been adopted into
  families without that trait.
• They look at differences in frequency between groups and may also compare these levels with the baseline level in the population.
• An example of an adoption study in Psychology is Kety.

Question 5

observations basic Ao1

Answer 5

• An observation is where someone’s behaviour is monitored and recorded based on what is visually seen.
• You often use a coding scheme when conducting an observation.
• There are three types of sampling methods that can be used in observations;
  o Event sampling: Use a coding scheme to tally events when they occur.
  o Continuous sampling: Making notes of everything which is happening.
  o Time sampling: Recoding their behaviours every nth time, for example every 30s or
  once every 3 minutes over a set period of time – you write down exactly what they’re
  doing at that moment.

Question 6

structured observation

Answer 6

• A structured observation is where the researcher controls some variables, potentially in a lab setting, reducing the naturalness of the behaviour.
• In a structured observation the observer is causing the situation.
• Often they take place in an artificial setting, such as a playroom for children.

Question 7

naturalistic observation

Answer 7

• Naturalistic observations are when we observe a behaviour that is in a natural situation where
  everything happens as it typically would.

Question 8

non participant observation

Answer 8

• A non-participant observation is one that is conducted by someone that is not part of the group they are observing.

Question 9

participant observation

Answer 9

• A participant observation is where the observation is conducted by someone who is part of the group being observed – you join the group.

Question 10

covert observation

Answer 10

• When the participant does not know they are being observed.
• One-way mirrors can be used to prevent participant’s awareness or CCTV can also be used.