1.1 Research Methods Flashcards
(33 cards)
Define laboratory experiments
Laboratory experiments don’t have to be carried out in a laboratory. However, any experiment that is carried out in a highly controlled environment is classed as a laboratory experiment.
Advantages and disadvantages of a laboratory experiment
Advantages -
We can usually see that the IV has caused the alteration in the DV.
Conducted in a well controlled environment so is very accurate.
Disadvantages -
Lacks ecological validity.
May not be possible to generalise the findings to a real life setting.
Define field experiments
They are conducted in the everyday environment for the participants taking part.
Advantages and disadvantages of a field experiment
Advantages -
They are more likely to reflect real life due to the natural setting (higher ecological validity).
Disadvantages -
There is less control over variables so makes them difficult to be replicated by other researchers.
Define quasi experiments
An experiment in which the independent variable changes naturally.
Advantages and disadvantages of a quasi experiment
Advantages -
Useful for studies where changing the IV would be unethical.
Disadvantages -
We cannot be 100% certain that the IV has caused any change to the DV.
Define structured observation
Only studying one specific thing or certain behaviours when in an observation.
Advantages and disadvantages of a structured observation
Advantages -
Factors that the researcher is studying can be easily identified.
Disadvantages -
Could miss other important factors as the observation is only focused on observing certain things/behaviours.
Define unstructured observation
An observation where all behaviours are recorded.
Advantages and disadvantages of an unstructured observation
Advantages -
All behaviour is recorded so more information is gathered
Disadvantages -
Doesn’t show cause and effect
Define controlled observation
An observation that is not in a natural environment for the participants.
Advantages and disadvantages of a controlled observation
Advantages -
Better control of variables.
Easier to establish cause and effect.
Disadvantages -
Low ecological validity as it is not in a natural environment.
Define naturalistic observation
People or animals are observed in their natural environment without any sort of intervention or manipulation of variables.
Advantages and disadvantages of a naturalistic observation
Advantages -
Higher ecological validity as people are in their natural environment.
Disadvantages -
Would be harder to control the observation.
May be unethical to observe without consent.
Define non-participant observation
An observation where the researcher doesn’t take part.
Advantages and disadvantages of non-participant observation
Advantages -
Higher ecological validity.
Disadvantages -
No control over variables so it’s hard to identify cause and effect.
Define participant observation
Observation where the researcher is involved in the research.
Advantages and disadvantages of a participant observation
Advantages -
The experimenter gets a better understanding and can ask questions and speak to participants.
Disadvantages -
May be less reliable as participants probably won’t act naturally.
Define covert observation
Observing when the researcher is undercover in the research (participant-covert observation).
Advantages and disadvantages of a covert observation
Advantages -
Results will be more accurate as the participants don’t know they’re being observed.
Disadvantages -
Unethical as you are observing without permission.
Define overt observation
Observing when the participants know they are being studied.
Advantages and disadvantages of an overt observation
Advantages -
The participants know they are being observed so they aren’t being deceived.
Disadvantages -
Participants may act differently because they know about the observation - researcher effects etc.
Define questionnaires
Questionnaires can be thought of as a kind of written interview. They can be carried out face to face, by telephone or post.
Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires
Advantages -
Cheap, quick and easy to get information from a large group of people.
Disadvantages -
Low response rates.
