4.2.2 methodologies

Question 1

briefly explain a case study (4).

Answer 1

• an indepth study method of a unique individual (Gage), small group or event
• depth acquired by many different research methods, i,e interviews, questionnaires, observations
• most data collected = qualitative, can sometimes be quantitative
• holistic study, usually longitudinal

Question 2

evaluate the strengths of case studies with an example (3) ?

Answer 2

• produces rich qualitative data -> high ecological validity -> study of real-life situation
• researchers allowed to study cases they otherwise wouldn’t be able to practically or ethically manipulate in an experiment
• can’t send iron rod through skull in case of Gage (1848)

Question 3

briefly explain a self report (1).

Answer 3

• methods that involve the participant reporting info about themselves
• can include interviews, questionnaires, inventories, diairies

Question 4

evaluate the strengths of self-report techniques (2).

Answer 4

• offer an insight into why people behave as they do, less need for inference
• gathers qualitative info

Question 5

evaluate the weaknesses of self-report techniques (2).

Answer 5

• plausible social desirability bias
• people may recall inaccurately, esp. if details given over long period

Question 6

evaluate the strengths of qualitative data (2).

Answer 6

• offers a more indivualised, human view of behaviour
• provides in depth, detailed data

Question 7

define qualitative data (1).

Answer 7

a type of data that can be observed, but not measured numerically. it usually takes the form of words, thoughts, feelings and is difficult to analyse.

Question 8

evaluate the weaknesses of qualitative data (2).

Answer 8

• difficult to analyse collected data
• data tends to come from limited range of people

Question 9

define quantitative data (1).

Answer 9

data that can be measured numerically by the psychologist, e,g the score of an IQ test

Question 10

evaluate the strengths of quantitative data (2).

Answer 10

• data is easy to analyse
• easier to collect data from a large group of participants

Question 11

evaluate the weaknesses of quantitative data (2).

Answer 11

• loses human level of behaviour
• shallow view of behaviour

Question 12

briefly explain a correlational study (3).

Answer 12

• used to analyse the relationship between two continuous variable (co-variables)
• scatter graph used to illustrate correlations
• closer the coefficient is to 0, weaker correlation, closer it is to +/- 1, the stronger the correlation

Question 13

evaluate the strength of the correlational studies (2).

Answer 13

• shows both direction + strength of a relationship - used to make predictions about behaviour
• can be used when experiments are inappropriate

Question 14

evaluate the weaknesses of the correlational studies (2).

Answer 14

• only shows whether there is a relationship, not how or why the co-variables are related (FURTHER CALC NEEDED)
• difficult to establish causal correlation

Question 15

define primary sources (1).

Answer 15

info/data that are directly collected from the researcher first-hand, e,g through a questionnaire, experiment, interviews for research.

Question 16

evaluate the strength of the primary sources (1).

Answer 16

• researcher can control the format of how data is collected, specifically related to the aims of researcher
• higher internal reliability

Question 17

evaluate the weaknesses of the primary sources (1).

Answer 17

• data collected may lack validity due to social desirability or demand characteristics

Question 18

define secondary sources (1).

Answer 18

info sources/data that have not been directly collected/created by the researcher, e.g use of methods like content analysis of existing data, or lit reviews

Question 19

evaluate the strength of the secondary sources (1).

Answer 19

• data produced excluding the ‘participant’ knowing the artefact would be used could be more valid

Question 20

evaluate the weaknesses
of the secondary sources (1).

Answer 20

researcher cannot control the format, production or collection of the data.

Question 20

briefly explain a CAT scan (4).

Answer 20

• set of x-rays combined together to form 2D or 3D images of the area of the brain being scanned
• radioactive dye is injected into patient prior to x-ray being taken, then placed in cylindrical CAT scan machine
• CT scans use series of X-ray beams passed through the head, creating cross-sectional images of the brain
• displays structure, not function

Question 20

evaluate the strengths
of the CAT scans (2).

Answer 20

• high quality images, better than those produced by x-ray alone
• can reveal abnormal structures of the brain, e.g tumours -> allow for treatment

Question 21

evaluate the weaknesses
of the CAT scans (2).

Answer 21

• only provide a researcher with the structure of the brain, not the electrical activity
• more detailed the scan = higher radiation exposure to the patient

Question 22

briefly explain a PET scan (3).

Answer 22

• patient given a radioactive glucose
• areas of the brain that appear to be more active require the most glucose
• detectors in the scanner can highlight the most active areas of the brain, allowing an in-depth image of brain activity

Question 23

evaluate the strengths of the PET scans (2).

Answer 23

- only PET scans allow researchers to see chemical activity in the brain - useful for psychological research as they look at more active brain areas

Question 24

evaluate the weaknesses of the PET scans (2).

Answer 24

- costly to run + maintain -> limited availability for research - less precision than MRI scans

Question 25

briefly explain what is meant by a longitudinal study. give an example (4).

Answer 25

- a study conducted over a long period of time - participants are assessed on two or more occasions as they get older - allows researcher's to investigate long-term effects - e.g how memory gradually decreases with age

Question 26

evaluate the strengths of the longitudinal studies (2).

Answer 26

- same person is tested numerous times -> controls participant variables - developmental trends can be spotted as tests are repeated at regular intervals

Question 27

evaluate the weaknesses of the longitudinal studies (2).

Answer 27

- participants are more likely to be aware of the aims of the study -> demand characteristics -> reduced internal reliability - high attrition rate because research takes so long

Question 28

briefly explain what is meant by a cross-sectional study.

Answer 28

one group of participants representing one section of society (e.g working-class people) compared to participants from another group (e.g middle class people).

Question 29

evaluate the strengths of cross-sectional studies (2).

Answer 29

- relatively quick + cheap because participants only need to be tested once for comparison - participants are easier to obtain, less pressure for them to take part, lower attrition rate compared to a long-term longitudinal study

Question 30

evaluate the weaknesses of cross-sectional studies (2).

Answer 30

- difficult to determine why their are differences between the cohorts, which participants cannot always be asked about - data collected from snapshot in time, harder to analyse developmental trends in these

Question 31

evaluate the weaknesses of a case study (2).

Answer 31

- less internal reliability due to the varied methodology used - possible ethical issues regarding participant privacy or confidentiality due to studying an individual or small group