Chapter 2 - Research in Developmental Psychology

Question 1

Case Study

Answer 1

• In-depth study of a single individual.

Pros: Detailed; Can generate hypothesis

Cons: May not generalize; Conclusions cannot be testable; No cause and effect.

Question 2

Ethnographic Study

Answer 2

• In-depth study of culture/subculture

Pros: Can overcome cultural biases; can study the universality of developmental phenomena

Cons: Observer bias

Question 3

Correlational Study

Answer 3

• Study of relationships between variables

Pros: Enables prediction of variables; Can suggest hypotheses about causal relationships

Cons: No causation

Question 4

Experimental Study

Answer 4

• Controlled procedure/IV and DV

Pros: Cause and Effect; Highly controlled; Repeatable

Cons: No generalizability outside of own experiment

Question 5

Cross-sectional

Answer 5

• Collecting of data on people of different ages.

Pros: Can show similarities & differences; Speedy; economical; no attrition problems

Cons: Cannot establish age effects

Question 6

Longitudinal

Answer 6

• Collecting of data on same person or persons over a period of time.

Pros: Can show-age related change

Cons: Time consuming; expensive; problems of attrition; results valid only for the sample

Question 7

Sequential

Answer 7

• Combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal

Pros: Can avoid drawbacks of cross-sectional and longitudinal

Cons: Time-consuming; complex data

Question 8

Rights and Dignity of Participants

Answer 8

We respect the rights of research participants should they wish to discontinue their participation at any time.

It is our duty to ask participants about any factors that could bring forth potential harm.

Question 9

Informed Consent to Research

Answer 9

When obtaining ICF it is our duty to inform research participants about:

a. Purpose of Research (Duration, procedures)
b. Mutual responsibilities
c. The right to decline and withdraw
d. Foreseeable consequences of declining or withdrawing
e. Reasonably foreseeable factors that may be expected to influence their willingness to participate such as potential risks, discomfort, or adverse effects
f. how to rescind consent (guide)
g. any prospective research benefits;
h: confidentiality and anonymity
I: incentives
j: contact details

Provide participants an opportunity to give questions and receive answers.

Best language/translation.

Informed Assent and Legal Guardian

More than one ICF is okay.

Question 10

Dispensing Informed Consent

Answer 10

Not needed in: Naturalistic observation; normal educational practices; job related; archival research; mandated by law/institution