Qualitative Research
Uses non-numerical data to explore meanings, experiences, and subjective perspectives.
Quantitative Research
Uses numerical data to measure variables and analyse statistical relationships.
Descriptive Design
Research design that aims to describe phenomena without testing causal relationships.
Correlational Design
Identifies relationships between variables but cannot establish causation.
Correlation ≠ Causation
A relationship between variables does not mean one causes the other.
Experimental Design
Research design that manipulates an independent variable with random assignment to test causality.
Independent Variable (IV)
The variable manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable (DV)
The variable measured as the outcome.
Control Group
Group that does not receive the manipulation and serves as a baseline.
Random Assignment
Participants have an equal chance of being placed in any group.
Confound
An uncontrolled variable that may influence results.
Quasi-Experimental Design
Design lacking random assignment or manipulation, often using natural settings.
Ecological Validity
The extent to which findings generalise to real-world settings.
Reflexivity
Researcher awareness of how their assumptions influence the research.
Generalisation
Applying findings from a sample to a wider population.
Replication
Repeating a study to test reliability of findings.
Qualia
Subjective conscious experience; what something feels like.
Aptitude Tests (WWI)
Early quantitative tests used to assign military roles efficiently.
Methodological Triangulation
Using multiple methods to strengthen research conclusions.
What are the four main quantitative deisgns?
descriptive, correlational, experimental and quasi-experimental
What 4 factors need to be included in an experimental design?
control over variables
random sample
manipulation (of IV)
comparison
what are limitations of experimental design?
ethics
artificial settings?
rests on assumption
what is an issue with correlational designs?
some correlation (e.g. cmoking and cancer) cannot be tested due to ethical problems and inflicting harm
can also be confounded by other variables
relies on background assumptions
