Research Methods

Question 1

Experiment

Answer 1

an investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an independent variable is manipulated and is expect to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable.

Question 2

Laboratory experiments

Answer 2

This is where there is an IV, DV and strict controls.

Question 3

Advantages of laboratory experiments

Answer 3

• high levels of standardisation (can be replicated)
• higher levels of control

Question 4

Disadvantages of laboratory experiments

Answer 4

• lacks ecological validity (artificial environment)
• participants may show demand characteristics (decreases both internal and external validity)

Question 5

Field experiments

Answer 5

This is conducted in a setting that is the normal environment for the participants with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

Question 6

Advantages of field experiments

Answer 6

• high ecological validity (realistic setting)
• limited demand characteristics (increases internal and external validity)

Question 7

Types of experimental design

Answer 7

• indpendent measures
• repeated measures
• matched pairs

Question 8

Disadvantages of field experiments

Answer 8

• situational variables more difficult to control (decreases internal validity)
• risks breaking ethics (participants don’t know)

Question 9

Types of self-reports

Answer 9

• Questionnaires
• Interviews

Question 10

Questionnaire

Answer 10

research method that involves asking questions, mainly written, to gain information from the participants.

Question 11

Features of questionnaires

Answer 11

• questions are in written form
• may be on paper or online
• can use a combination of open or closed questions
• designed to get quantitative or qualitative data

Question 12

Types of questionnaires

Answer 12

• likert scales
• rating scales
• open questions
• closed questions

Question 13

Advantages of questionnaires

Answer 13

• more likely to get truthful answers (not face to face), increases internal validity
• efficient to do with a large sample

Question 14

Disadvantages of questionnaires

Answer 14

• people may put socially desirable answers (reduces internal validity)
• too many closed questions forces an untrue answer (reduces internal validity)

Question 15

Interview

Answer 15

research method that involves using verbal questions asked directly to the participants.

Question 16

Types of interviews

Answer 16

• structured
• semi-structured
• unstructured

Question 17

Advantages of interviews

Answer 17

• lots of open questions can reveal root causes and internal motivations

Question 18

Disadvantages of interviews

Answer 18

• less likely to get truthful answers (it is face-to-face), because of social desirability

Question 19

Case study

Answer 19

a detailed investigation of a single instance, usually a person, family or institute, that produced in-depth data specific to that instance.

Question 20

Advantages of case studies

Answer 20

• adds validity as focused on one individual so can collect in-depth data
• high ecological validity (natural, real-world setting)

Question 21

Disadvantages of case studies

Answer 21

• lacks external validity (generalisations are difficult as case is unique)
• objectivity of data is reduced as attachments may be formed between researcher and participant

Question 22

Observation

Answer 22

a research method that involves watching human or animal behaviour.

Question 22

Ways to improve validity in a case study

Answer 22

• triangulation
• pre-validated measures
• use both qualitative and quantitative data
• standardisation/operationalisation
• maintain distance between researcher and participant

Question 23

Types of observers

Answer 23

• participant
• non-participant
• covert
• overt
• naturalistic
• controlled
• structured
• unstructured

Question 24

Advantages of observations

Answer 24

- increases ecological validity (if participants are unaware of the observation taking place) - increases internal validity (minimal bias in analysis of data as behaviours are counted)

Question 25

Disadvantages of observations

Answer 25

- lower validity due to social desirability bias (if participants are aware of the observation) - difficult to replicate if naturalistic

Question 26

Correlation

Answer 26

a research method that looks for a causal relationship between two measured variables. A change in one variable is related to a change in another, but the relationship cannot be assumed to be causal. None of the variables are manipulated, only measured.

Question 27

Types of correlations

Answer 27

- positive - negative - no correlation

Question 28

Advantages of correlations

Answer 28

- easy to establish a cause and effect relationship - don't require any manipulation so can be used where experiments are unethical/impractical

Question 29

Disadvantages of correlations

Answer 29

- low internal validity (issues of causality as there could be a third variable affecting the changes) - restricted to quantitative research and cannot measure why behaviours are occurring

Question 30

Longitudinal study

Answer 30

research method that involves repeatedly observing and collecting data from the same individuals or groups over an extended period to track changes and identify patterns over time.

Question 31

Advantages of longitudinal studies

Answer 31

- good for tracking changes over time - easily establish a cause and effect relationship

Question 32

Disadvantages of longitudinal studies

Answer 32

- time commitment is very high - low validity (if participants begin to show demand characteristics over time)