Lost some non-experimental methods
Descriptive research
- naturalistic observation
- case study (e.g. Clinical psychology)
- survey
Correlational research
Outline and evaluate naturalistic observation
- observed in natural environment with as little disturbance as possible
- mainly use categorisation
- observer stays in the background
Evaluation
(-) reliability of categorisations (can solve this via multiple observers)
(-) possible reactivity (can not tell them potentially however this raises ethical issues)
Name some potential surveys
Potential include: questionnaires, interviews (structured or unstructured)diary study
Outline and evaluate structured interviews
Fixed set of questions asked in a set order. Multiple choice or ratings
Benefits
- easily quantified
- comparability across participants
- all topics covered
Costs
- rigid structure,
- not adaptable for the participant
- surface information
Outline and evaluate unstructured interviews
Questions asked on a topic without fixed order of fixed questions
Benefits
- more in depth information
- relevant to specific participant
Costs
- generalisability
- analysis is time consuming
Outline and evaluate correlational analysis
Purpose: determine the relationship between to variables without manipulating the variables
Loos at direction and strength of relationship among variables
Evaluation
(-) cannot establish cause and effect
(-) confounding variables (could be a third variable)
