Types of experiments and non-experimental method. Flashcards
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables.
Advantages of lab?
The researcher is able to control the variables. The experiment is reliable and can be replicated.
Disadvantages of lab?
Results may be affected by investigator bias. It lacks ecological validity. Demand characteristics may occur.
What is a field experiment?
An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
Advantages of field.
high ecological validity, less chance of demand characteristics
Disadvantages of field.
Low control over extraneous variables.
More difficult to replicate (lacks reliability).
What is a natural experiment?
An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on the DV.
Advantages of natural?
High ecological validity.
Allows opportunity for research that might not otherwise be possible for practical or ethical reasons.
Disadvantages of natural?
Low control over extraneous variables.
More difficult to replicate (lacks reliability).
Reduced opportunity for research because have to wait for the vairables.
What is a quasi experiment?
The IV is not determined by the researcher, it is naturally occurring, it cannot be changed and simply exists.
Advantages of quasi?
+ IF in a lab, high control over extraneous variables
+Easy to replicate to check reliability.
Disadvantages of quasi?
-No random allocation can create confounding variables
-IF in a lab, artificial conditions may reduce ecological validity
-Because IV has not been deliberately changed, harder to establish cause and effect.
What is a single blind trial?
the participants are not aware of what condition they are in or the aim of the experiment. Reduces demand characteristics.
What is a double blind trial?
Where the patients AND researchers don’t know the conditions the participants are in and a third party is overseeing the experiment.
This avoids demand characteristics and investigator effects.
What is a control group?
The group whose results are the ‘normal’ and used for comparison.
What are observations?
the process of gathering information about events or processes in a careful, orderly way
Naturalistic observations?
observing and recording behaviour in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
-Greater ecological validity, can be generalised.
-Can’t control extraneous variables and not replicable.
Controlled observations?
observations that take place in an environment where the extraneous variables are controlled.
-Easy to replicate and controls variables so can establish cause and effect.
-May not be able to generalise and demand characteristics.
Participant observations?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
-More insight to lives could increase validity.
-Could lose objectivity.
Non-participant observations?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
-Keeps objectivity.
-Lose insight and validity.
Covert observations?
Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent.
-No demand characteristics or social desirability bias.
-Ethical problems.
Overt observations?
Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent.
-Ethically more acceptable but demand characteristics.
Advantages of observations?
Captures peoples’ actual behaviour, not taking their word for what they say they will do.
Disadvantages of observations?
-Bias in the recording of events viewed
-can be very time consuming
-Varying interpretations of behaviour.
-Cannot determine cause and effect.
-Can’t repeat conditions.
What is a structured observation?
focuses on the main focus of the observation.
What is an unstructured observation?
everything seen is recorded. rich in detail and appropriate for small scale observations.
What are behavioural categories?
When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable.
-It makes sure two observers will get the same results.
-Categories should be clear and not overlapping (smile and grin).
What is event sampling?
A target behaviour or event is first established then the researcher records this event every time it occurs.
-Useful when behaviour happen infrequently.
What is time sampling?
A target individual or group is first established then the researcher records their behaviour in a fixed time frame. (every 60 seconds).
-Could be unrepresentative.
What is inter-observer reliability?
There is consistency across examiners.
-Using one observer could create bias.
-Two observers should discuss the categories, do a pilot study and compare these results before the actual observation.
What is a self report method?
A method which involves respondents reporting on their own behaviour, thoughts or feelings.
What is a questionnaire?
-Pre Set Questions
-Distributed by post emailed or on the spot completion
-Closed Ended or Open Ended
What are open questions?
-Does not have a fixed range of answers.
-Qualitative data.
-Harder to analyse but more detail.
What are closed questions?
-Have a fixed range of answers and produce quantitative data.
-Easier to analyse but less detail.
Strengths of questionnaires?
-Can distribute to a large number of people easily.
-Can be done without a researcher there.
-Straightforward to analyse.
Limitations of questionnaires?
+ people can lie due to social desirability bias (type of demand characteristics)
+ response bias- answer in the same way e.g all yes or no etc. due to doing the questionnaire too quickly
+ Acquiescence bias- the tendency to say yes
What is an interview?
An interview involves verbal communication between the researcher and the subject during which information is provided to the researcher.
What is an structured interview?
Made up of predetermined questions in a fixed order
-Easy to replicate and reduces differences between participants.
-Not flexible, can’t ask random questions like in an unstructured interview. Answers lack detail which only generates quantitative data - can’t tell the reasons why a person behaves a certain way
What is a semi-structured interview?
having an outline of questions to follow but with flexibility
What is a unstructured interview?
Works like a conversation, no set questions, a topic is discussed but interaction is free flowing.
Advantages of unstructured interviews?
greater flexibility for validity
there can be trust and rapport created between the interviewers and participant
Interviewers can adjust questions for sensitive topics, if it is getting uncomfortable for the participant.
group discussion can probe more of a in-depth discussion
Disadvantages of unstructured interviews?
time consuming
expensive
difficult to replicate interviews, so can be seen a invalid
interviewer bias- ask different questions to try and get a certain answer from people.
Advantages of interviews?
Offer detailed information
More accurate answers to sensitive questions
Rapport between interviewer and participant makes some topics easier to broach than in other settings
Disadvantages of interviews?
Time consuming.
Social desirability bias.
What is a likert scale?
The Likert Scale is an ordered, one-dimensional scale from which respondents choose one option that best aligns with their view.
EXAMPLE: strongly disagree, somewhat disagree,neutral,somewhat agree, strongly agree.
What is a rating scale?
A rating scale lists an ordered series of categories of a variable that are assumed to be based on an underlying continuum.
Ex. Rate your pain on a 1 - 10 scale with 10 being the worst….
What is a fixed choice option?
Includes a list of possible options and respondents are required to indicate those that apply to them
What is an interview schedule?
The list of questions that will be asked in the interview and in what order.
How should interviews be conducted?
-Quiet room.
-Ask neutral questions in order to make them feel comfortable.
-Remind them of confidentiality.
How to ask good research questions?
-Don’t use technical terms.
-Avoid emotive language and leading questions. These may make the participant feel uncomfortable in sharing their true opinion.
-Avoid double barrel questions as they could only agree with half.
-Avoid double negatives as they can confuse.
