Research Methods

Question 1

Research Methods Types

Answer 1

• Experimental Method

- Correlational Method

Question 2

Correlational Method Types

Answer 2

• Interview
• Survey
• Observational studies
• Case Study

Question 3

Experimental Method Types

Answer 3

• True Experiment
• Field Experiment
• Quasi Experiment

Question 4

True Experiment Characteristics

Answer 4

• Manipulated IV
• Controls all the other variables (to avoid confounding variables)
• Takes place in a laboratory (artificial environment)
• Controlled environment
• Standardised procedures (directions given are the same for all pps)
• Analyses data with both descirptive and inferential statistics

Question 5

True Experiment Strenghts

Answer 5

• Establishes cause-effect relationship
• Variable control
• Accuracy of measurments-objectivty
• Easy to replicate (increases reliability of results)

Question 6

True Experiment Limitations

Answer 6

• Lack of ecological validty (artificiality)
• Results may be biased (demand characteristics + experimenter effects)
• Deception occasionally necessary

Question 7

Field Experiment Characteristics

Answer 7

• Manipulated IV

- Takes place in a natural environment

Question 8

Field Experiment Strengths

Answer 8

• High ecological validity

- Little bias from demand characteristics

Question 9

Field Experiment Limitaitons

Answer 9

• Risk of bias from confounding variables because there is less control
• Nearly impossible to replicate exactly
• More difficult to record data accurately
• Possible ethical issues (informed consent, exposure to unpleasant situations, invasion of privacy)

Question 10

Quasi Experiment Characteristics

Answer 10

• IV naturaly occuring (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.)

- Research does not manipluate variables by records possible effects of a variable (IV) on another (DV)

Question 11

Quasi Experiment Strenghts

Answer 11

• High ecological validty

- Little bias from demand characteristics

Question 12

Quasi Experiment Limitations

Answer 12

• Impossible to establish cause-effet relationship
• Impossible to replicate exactly
• Ethical issues (consent, deception, invasion of privacy)

Question 13

Interview Characteristics

Answer 13

• Collects data from individuals by asking them (self-report method)
• Usually face-to-face
• Can be structured (interview schedule states qs and the order they will be asked, often closed questions)
• Can be unstrucutred (qs are informal, free flowing and resemble a probing conversation)
• Can be semi-structured (interview scheudle with specified questions but more formal and flexible)

Question 14

Interview Strenghts

Answer 14

• Detailed information can be obtained and avoids oversimplifying complex issues
• Greater attention to individual’s point of view
• Unstructured, casual interviews may encourage openness in answers

Question 15

Interview Limitations

Answer 15

• Difficult to analyse if unstructured and qualitative in nature
• Time-consuming, expensive
• Possible interviewer effects. For example, people affected by attractiveness of interviewer

Question 16

Survey Characteristics

Answer 16

• Used to collect data from larger groups
• Contain broad range of goals
• Useful for evaluating large scale campaigns

Question 17

Survey Strengths

Answer 17

• Possible to collect data in a relatively quick and easy way
• Access to information not available to direct observation
• Many objectives can be studied at the same time
• Uses random samples that can be generalised to a larger target population

Question 18

Survey Limitations

Answer 18

• Researcher does not manipulate the variables
• Not possible to establish cause-effect relationship
• Self-report data may be affected by response bias and social desirability bias

Question 19

Case Study Characteristics

Answer 19

• Detailed account of a single individual or group withing their unique situation

Question 20

Case Study Strengths

Answer 20

• Gives detailed descriptions of an event, organisation, or the progress of patient in therapy
• Challenged preconcieved ideas about a phenomenon
• Provides insight into a behaviour
• Stimulated research into a particular phenomenon

Question 21

Case Study Limitations

Answer 21

• Researcher bias
• Researcher must be well trained because multiple methods are used to collect data (interviewing, observing)
• Difficult to replicate
• Often subjective
• Costly in terms of time and money
• Small sample
• Low generazibility (findings specific to the case)
• No cause-effect relationship

Question 22

Observational Studies Characteristics

Answer 22

• Can be participant (observer takes part in the situation being studied while doing the research)
• Can be non-participant (observer is not part of the situation being studied)
• Can be overt (pariticipants are wholly aware of being obersved)
• Can be covert (participants are not aware of being studied and have not agreed to it)

Question 23

Observational Studies Strengths

Answer 23

• Done in a natural environment

- The behaviour studied occurs in real life

Question 24

Observational Studies Limitations

Answer 24

• Pps are observed and may be affected by being observed

- Pps may have expectations about the study and want to make a good impression (demand characteristics)