Research Methods A Level Flashcards
Case studies
An in depth investigation, description and analysis of a single individual, group, institution or event
Case studies evaluation
+offer detailed insights that can shed light on unusual types of behaviour. Also contribute to our understanding of normal functioning e.g. case study of HM demonstrated normal memory processing (separate stores in LTM and STM)
+can generate hypotheses for future study, or one contradictory instance may lead to a whole theory being revised
-generalising findings an issue due to small sample size. Info that makes it to the final report based on the subjective selection and interpretation of the researcher. Personal accounts of participants, friends and family are prone to inaccuracy and memory decay. Therefore evidence from case studies lacks validity.
Content analysis
A research technique that studies behaviour indirectly by examining communications that people produce e.g. in texts, emails, films and other media.
First stage is coding. Communication being studied is analysed by identifying each instance of the chosen categories.
Second stage is thematic analysis. A qualitative approach to analysis involving identifying implicit or explicit ideas in the data. Themes often emerge after coding.
Content analysis evaluation
+Can get around ethical issues normally associated with psychological research as much of the material needed to be studied is already available within the public domain. No issues with obtaining permission.
Can also produce qualitative and quantitative data.
-People are studied indirectly so the communications they produce are studied outside the context in which it occurred. There is also a risk the researcher may add opinions/motivations to the speaker/writer that weren’t originally intended.
