psychology unit 2 > methodologies > Flashcards

methodologies Flashcards

experiments, observations, interviews, questionnaires, interviews, case studies, brain scans, longitudinal/cross-cultural, self reports, quali/quanty data, prim/sec data (54 cards)

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1
Q

What is an experiment?

A

A controlled method where an independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV).

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2
Q

What type of data and sources do experiments use?

A

Quantitative data (e.g. scores, reaction times)
Usually primary data collected directly by the researcher

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3
Q

Strengths and weaknesses of experiments?

A

S. High control → high internal validity (cause & effect)
Replicable → reliable
W. − Artificial settings → low ecological validity
− Demand characteristics may distort behaviour

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4
Q

What is a quasi-experiment?

A

An experiment where the IV is naturally occurring (not manipulated).

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5
Q

Data type in quasi-experiments?

A

Mostly quantitative, sometimes mixed
Often primary data

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6
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. Useful when IV cannot be ethically manipulated (e.g. brain damage)
Higher ecological validity
W. − Less control → lower internal validity
− Cannot establish true causation confidently

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7
Q

What is a participant observation?

A

Researcher joins the group being studied and observes behaviour.

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8
Q

Data collected in a participant observation?

A

Mainly qualitative data (descriptions, field notes)
Primary data

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9
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. High ecological validity (natural behaviour)
Rich, in-depth insights
W. − Researcher bias
− Ethical issues (deception, consent)

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10
Q

What is a non-participant observation?

A

Researcher observes behaviour without joining the group.

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11
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. More objective than participant observation
Easier to replicate
W. − Less insight into meaning of behaviour
− Still risk of observer bias

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12
Q

Data type?

A

Can be quantitative (tallies) or qualitative
Primary data

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13
Q

What is content analysis?

A

Analysing media/texts by coding them into categories.

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14
Q

Data and sources?

A

Both quantitative (frequency counts) and qualitative (themes)
Usually secondary data

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15
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. No ethical issues (data already exists)
Can analyse large datasets
W. − Interpretation may be subjective
− Lacks context behind behaviour

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16
Q

What are structured interviews/questionnaires?

A

Pre-set questions asked in a fixed order.

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17
Q

Data type?

A

Mostly quantitative data
Primary data

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18
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. Easy to analyse statistically
High reliability
W. − Limited depth
− May lack validity if responses are superficial

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19
Q

What is a semi-structured interview?

A

Flexible interview with set questions + follow-ups.

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20
Q

Data type?

A

Mainly qualitative data
Primary data

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21
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

A

S. Rich, detailed data
Allows clarification
W. − Hard to analyse
− Lower reliability due to lack of standardisation

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22
Q

What is a correlational study?

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A

investigates the relationship between co-variables without manipulation.

23
Q

Data type?

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A

Quantitative data (correlation coefficients)
Can use primary or secondary data

24
Q

Strengths and weaknesses?

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A

S. Identifies relationships
Useful when variables cannot be manipulated
W. − Cannot establish cause and effect
− Third variable problem

25
What is a case study?
An in-depth investigation of a single person or small group.
26
Data type?
Qualitative + quantitative (mixed methods) Primary + secondary data
27
Strengths and weaknesses?
S. Rich, detailed data Useful for rare cases W. − Low generalisability − Researcher bias
28
What are brain scans?
used to measure brain activity/structure.
29
What is an MRI scan and what does it measure?
MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of brain structure (e.g. size, damage, abnormalities).
30
Strengths and weaknesses of MRI?
S. High spatial resolution → very detailed brain images Objective and reliable W. − Expensive and time-consuming − Cannot measure brain activity (only structure) − May be uncomfortable (claustrophobia)
31
What is an EEG and what does it measure?
EEG records electrical activity in the brain via electrodes on the scalp.
32
Strengths and weaknesses of EEG?
S. Excellent temporal resolution (real-time brain activity) Useful for sleep studies and epilepsy W. − Poor spatial resolution (cannot pinpoint exact location) − Sensitive to noise/interference
33
What is an fMRI scan and what does it measure?
fMRI measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels (BOLD response).
34
Strengths and weaknesses of fMRI?
S. High spatial resolution (precise localisation) Non-invasive and objective W. − Expensive − Temporal delay (blood flow lags behind neural activity) − Artificial environment reduces ecological validity
35
What is a PET scan and what does it measure?
PET uses a radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream to measure brain activity and metabolism.
36
Strengths and weaknesses of PET?
S. Shows brain function and chemical processes Can study neurotransmitter activity W. − Invasive (radioactive injection) − Ethical concerns − Expensive and low temporal resolution
37
Strengths and weaknesses?
S. Tracks development and change High validity W. − Time-consuming − Participant attrition
38
What is a longitudinal study?
Research conducted over a long period of time.
39
What is a cross-sectional study?
Compares different groups (different cultures) at one point in time.
40
Strengths and weaknesses?
S. Quick and cost-effective No attrition W. − Cannot show changes over time − Cohort effects
41
What are self-reports?
Methods where participants report their own thoughts/feelings (e.g. interviews, questionnaires).
42
Strengths and weaknesses?
S. Access to internal thoughts Quick and easy W. − Social desirability bias − Low validity if participants lie or lack insight
43
What is quantitative data?
Data expressed in numerical form, allowing statistical analysis.
44
Give examples of quantitative data in psychology.
Reaction times, test scores, frequency counts, correlation coefficients.
45
Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative data?
S. High reliability (objective, replicable) Allows statistical testing → supports scientific approach W. − Lacks depth and meaning − May oversimplify complex behaviour → reduced validity
46
What is qualitative data?
Non-numerical data that provides detailed insight into behaviour (e.g. words, descriptions).
47
Examples of qualitative data?
Interview transcripts, open-ended responses, observational notes.
48
Strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data?
S. High validity (rich, in-depth understanding) Captures complexity of human behaviour W. − Low reliability (subjective interpretation) − Difficult to analyse and compare
49
What is primary data?
Data collected first-hand by the researcher for a specific study.
50
Examples of primary data?
Experiment results, questionnaire responses, interview recordings.
51
Strengths and weaknesses of primary data?
S. High control → greater validity Tailored to research aim W. − Time-consuming and expensive − Risk of researcher bias influencing collection
52
What is secondary data?
What is secondary data?
53
Examples of secondary data?
Government statistics, previous research studies, media sources.
54
Strengths and weaknesses of secondary data?
S. Quick and cost-effective Access to large datasets W. − Less control over quality and validity − May not fully match research aims
psychology unit 2
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