The science of behaviour health and development Flashcards
Characteristics of good research
- A theoretical framework
- A standardized procedure
- Generalisability
- Objective measurement
A theoretical framework is…
- Systematic way of organizing and explaining observations
- Hypothesis that flows from the theory or from an important question
A standardized procedure is…
a procedure that is the same for all participants except where variation is introduced to test a hypothesis
Generalisability is…
- sample that is representative of the population
- procedure that is sensible and relevant to circumstances outside the laboratory
Objective measurement is…
- measures that are reliable (that produce consistent results)
- measures that are valid (that assess the dimensions they purport to assess)
General research designs:
- Experimental
- Correlational
- Descriptive
Developmental research designs:
- Longitudinal
2. Cross-sectional
Elements of an experiment:
Cause and effect relationship:
- Experiments ask whether systematic variation in one variable produces variation in another variable.
- Experiments investigate the effect of the IV on the DV.
Pros of Experimental method
Strengths:
Can make causal claims:
- manipulation removes confusion about directionality of effects
- random assignment helps eliminate confounding
Cons of Experimental method
Limitations:
- random assignment sometimes impossible or unethical
- control can reduce validity
Independent Variable (IV):
Manipulated by experimenter (‘cause’)
Dependent Variable (DV):
Participants’ response (‘effect’)
Correlational Research
- examines degree to which two or more variables are related, so knowing the value of one variable allows prediction of another variable
A correlation is when …
changes in one variable are accompanied by changes in another variable
Strengths of Correlational Research:
- could suggest a potential cause and effect relationship to be investigated experimentally.
- can allow researchers to examine relationships among variables that cannot be investigated experimentally.
- reveals naturally occurring relationships in the ‘real world’
Limitations of Correlational Research:
only reveals that two variables tend to vary together. DOES NOT infer cause and effect.
Descriptive Research
Observing and describing subjects’ behaviours, belief, health and abilities as they naturally occur - no manipulation.
Common Descriptive Research methods:
- Self report: surveys & interviews
- Naturalistic observations
- Laboratory observations
- Clinical/case studies
- Neurological techniques e.g. MRI neuroimaging
Naturalistic Observation:
Observe behaviour in its natural setting, attempt to avoid influencing or controlling it.
Strengths of Naturalistic Observation:
- Collect realistic picture of naturally occurring behaviour
- Can help generate new ideas
Limitations of Naturalistic Observation:
- Must wait for the behaviour to occur naturally
- Usually small scale, may not be representative
- Cause and effect difficult to establish
Laboratory Observation:
Observe behaviour in a laboratory where extraneous variables can be controlled and specialised equipment can be used.
Strengths of Laboratory observation:
- Better control of potential confounds in environment
- Specialized equipment for precise measurement
Limitation of Laboratory observation:
Surroundings (lab) may affect results
Case studies
Observe one or very few subjects in great depth, usually over a long period of time
Strength of case studies:
the only method appropriate for very unusual cases
Limitation of case studies:
problems with generalising the results
