Week 4 Topic Material

Question 1

Methodology is?

Answer 1

The basic theoretical principles of research

Question 2

Which 2 of the following are methodological principles?
Exploratory
Social constructionism
Specificity
Observation

Answer 2

Exploratory and specificity

Question 3

Replicability is a methodological principle of which epistemology?
Relativism
Social constructionism
Ethnography
Positivism

Answer 3

Positivism

Question 4

Rather than aiming to develop universal facts about phenomena social constructionist research with aim for which methodological principal?
Subjective interpretations
Generalisable conclusions
Less information from each participant
Replicable methods

Answer 4

Subjective interpretations

Question 5

Research which aims to assess some depth and detail of participants experience requires?
More objectivity
Indirect measurement and some deception
Interviews
A level of closeness

Answer 5

A level of closeness

Question 6

List nine positivism methodological principles

Answer 6

1. Previously literature informs hypothesis.
2. Standardised and controlled - replicable, reliability, validity.
3. Generalisable to population.
4. Greater sample size.
5. Objective.
6. Objective, universal truths.
7. Distance between researched and researcher.
8. Research and maintains control and is expert.
9. Is generally politically and ideologically neutral.

Question 7

This nine social constructionist methodological principles

Answer 7

1. Exploratory, emergent questioning.
2. Variable.
3. Relevant to context - specificity.
4. Greater depth.
5. Subjective.
6. Interpretations which will vary.
7. Relationship between researcher and researched explored. (Collaborative?)
8. Power and expert nature of researcher question.
9. Attention to power systems.

Question 8

The Stainton Rogers 2009 reading, argues against the claim that mainstream psychology offers politically neutral research evidence to inform policy and practice (A methodological principle of positivism). What example does Stainton Rogers provide?

Answer 8

The example is of the system currently in place in England and Wales which is designed to deliver youth justice services. The service as a whole is based upon identifying the risk factors associated with individual children and then taking action to reduce these risks. However, the risk factors identified can result in intervention which includes placing the child in custody where she or he may be legally subjected to forms of restraint they can lead to injury and even death.