2.2.2 Methodologies (studies)

Question 1

what is a Correlational Study

Answer 1

Used to analyse the relationship or association between two continuous variables (co-variables).

• A scatter diagram/scatter graph can be used to illustrate correlations.
• The closer the coefficient is to 0, the weaker the coefficient
• The closer the coefficient is to 1 (be that +1 or -1) the stronger it is

Question 2

2 strengths of a CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Answer 2

• Shows both the direction and strength of a relationship which can then be used to make predictions about behaviour.
• Can be used when experiments are inappropriate

Question 3

2 weaknesses of a CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Answer 3

• Only shows whether there is a relationship; not how or why co-variables are related.
• Difficult to establish cause and effect using a correlation

Question 4

what is a Case Study

Answer 4

An in-depth study of a unique individual, small group or event.

• Uses many different research methods, such as interviews, questionnaires, or observations in order to get the required depth.
• Most data collected is qualitative, but it can sometimes be quantitative.
• It is a holistic study and is usually longitudinal

Question 5

2 strengths of a CASE STUDY

Answer 5

• Produces rich qualitative data which is of high ecological validity because it is a study of real-life situation.
• Allows researchers to study cases they couldn’t practically or ethically manipulate in an experiment

Question 6

2 weaknesses of a CASE STUDY

Answer 6

• Researcher bias; researchers can become too involved and lose their objectivity.
• It is difficult to generalise findings beyond the individual/group studied; the sample is too small > low population validity

Question 7

what are Self-Reports

Answer 7

Methods that involve the participant reporting information about themselves.

• They can include interviews, questionnaires, inventories, diaries

Question 8

2 strengths of SELF-REPORTS

Answer 8

• Self-reports offer an insight into why people behave as they do, so there is less need for researchers to guess reasons for behaviours.
• Qualitative information can be gathered

Question 9

2 weaknesses of SELF-REPORTS

Answer 9

• Possible risk of social desirability bias.
• People may not be able to recall accurately, especially if self-report method asks for details over an extended period

Question 10

what is a CAT Scan

Answer 10

A set of x-rays combined together to form 2D or 3D images of the area of the brain that is being scanned.

Before the x-rays are taken, radioactive dye is injected into the patient then they are placed in the cylindrical CAT scan machine.

CT scans use a series of X-ray beams passed through the head, creating cross-sectional images of the brain showing the structure, but not the function

Question 11

2 strengths of a CAT SCAN

Answer 11

• High quality images, better than those produced by x-ray alone.
• They can reveal structures in the brain that appear abnormal, e.g. tumours

Question 12

2 weaknesses of a CAT SCAN

Answer 12

• Only provide a researcher with the structure of the brain, not the electrical activity of the brain.
• Exposure to radiation: the more detailed the scan is, the more radiation an individual is exposed to

Question 13

what is a PET Scan

Answer 13

The patient is given a radioactive glucose (sugar).

Areas of the brain that appear to be more active are the areas which require the most glucose.

The detectors in the scanner can highlight the most active areas of the brain, allowing an in-depth image of what the brain activity is like

Question 14

2 strengths of a PET SCAN

Answer 14

• Only PET scans allow researchers to see chemical activity in the brain.
• Useful for psychological research as they look at more active brain areas

Question 15

2 weaknesses of a PET SCAN

Answer 15

• Costly to run and maintain, meaning there is limited availability for research.
• Not as precise as scans such as an MRI

Question 16

what is a Longitudinal Study

Answer 16

A study conducted over a long period of time.

• Participants are assessed on two or more occasions as they get older.
• This allows the researcher to investigate any long-term effects (e.g. how memory gradually decreases with age)

Question 17

2 strengths of a LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Answer 17

• The same person is tested numerous times so participant variables are controlled.
• Developmental trends can be spotted as tests are repeated at regular intervals

Question 18

2 weaknesses of a LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Answer 18

• High attrition rate because the research takes so long.
• Participants are more likely to be aware of the aims of the study so may show demand characteristic

Question 19

what is a Cross-Sectional Study

Answer 19

One group of participants representing one section of society
are compared with participants from another group

e.g young people being compared to old people

Question 20

2 strengths of a CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Answer 20

• Relatively quick and cheap because participants only need to be tested once for comparisons.
• Participants are easier to obtain because there’s less pressure for them to take part, compared to having to stick with a long-term longitudinal study.

Question 21

2 weaknesses of CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Answer 21

• Difficult to determine why there are differences between the two cohorts as participants cannot always be asked about the differences.
• Data collected is from a snapshot in time, so it’s harder to identify and analyse developmental trends in these studies