Evaluating research

Question 1

3 step approach

Answer 1

1. Identify the strengths and limitations
2. Link the evaluation directly to the study
3. Explain why this is important in the study of the behaviour being discussed

Question 2

5 strategies for evaluating research

Answer 2

1. Research design and methodologies
2. Triangulation
3. Assumptions and biases
4. Contradictory evidence or alternative theories or explanations
5. Areas of uncertainty

Question 3

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 3

A measure of the consistency and agreement between two or more raters or observers in their assessments, judgments, or ratings of a particular phenomenon or behaviour

Question 4

Data triangulation

Answer 4

When data is gathered from several different sources (increase reliability of the data)

Question 5

Method triangulation

Answer 5

When more than one research method is used to test the same effect

Question 6

Researcher triangulation

Answer 6

When several researchers carry out the same study and interpret the data separately (allows for inter rater reliability when there Is quantitative data)

Question 7

Theory triangulation

Answer 7

Used to explain behaviour – is when different approaches work together to explain behaviour to take for a more holistic approach to the problem (biological, cognitive, sociocultural)

Question 8

Other key areas of evaluating research

Answer 8

• Assumptions and biases
• Alternative explanations
• Areas of uncertainty