Research Methods

Question 1

Describe different forms of data collection in developmental psychology

DOON

Answer 1

1. Diaries
   - Very important source of empirical evidence in early years of developmental psychology
   - example; Jean Piaget kept diaries of his 3 children, made observations while involving them in various tasks
2. Naturalistic observation
   - Researchers go into homes, schools, public parks, playgrounds and observe how children, parents, teachers interact
3. Observation with hidden camera (experiment)
   - Mostly in combination with experiments
   - Structured interview or questionnaire
4. Open interview (“clinical method”)
   - Participant’s are asked the same questions at first, but each participant’s answer to these initial questions determines what the researcher will ask next
   - Particularly suitable for exploring new areas that have not been studied yet

Question 2

Explain how the correlation coefficient can be used to assess the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables

Answer 2

Size indicates strength of relationship

• r > .50 strong
• .30 < r < .50 moderate
• .10 < r < .30 small

Sign (+/-) indicates direction of effect

Question 3

Identify major limitations of correlational and
experimental studies

Answer 3

• Correlational: No causal conclusions
• Experimental: Artificial situation, lack of external (“ecological”) validity

Question 4

Compare different designs for studying development and note the strengths
and weaknesses of each design

LSC

Answer 4

1. Longitudinal
   - Tracks real change
   - Allows to investigate positional stability
   - Does not address cohort differences
2. Cross-sectional
   - Very efficient to explore age-related differences
   - Confounds/CONFUSES age and cohort differences
3. Sequential
   - Allows separate investigation into developmental and cohort differences
   - Very demanding and expensive