Research methods Flashcards
(12 cards)
Define experiments
A research method where the researcher manipulates one or more variables (independent variables) to observe the effect on another variable (dependent variable), while controlling other factors. Experiments are used to determine cause-and-effect relationships.
Define Case Studies
Case Studies:
An in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or event over a long period of time. Case studies often use a combination of methods like interviews and observations and provide rich, detailed information, but may not be easily generalized.
Define observational study
Observational Studies:
A research method where behavior is watched and recorded without interfering with the participants. Observations can be naturalistic (in real-world settings) or controlled (in structured environments), and they help understand behavior as it naturally occurs.
Define surveys/questionnaires
Surveys/Questionnaires:
A research method where participants answer a set of written or online questions. Surveys and questionnaires are useful for collecting large amounts of data quickly but may be affected by self-report biases.
strenghts of experiments
Establish clear causal relationships by manipulating an independent variable (IV) and observing its effect on a dependent variable (DV).
Precise control over variables increases internal validity.
High replicability due to standardized procedures.
Random assignment helps reduce bias and confounding variables.
Limitations of experiments
Conducted in artificial settings (lab), which may reduce ecological validity (real-world applicability).
Participants may alter their behavior due to demand characteristics (awareness of being studied).
Ethical concerns regarding deception or stressful tasks.
Difficult to manipulate complex human behaviors or real-life variables
Strenghts case studies
Provide rich, in-depth insights into rare or unique cases, especially helpful for exploring rare phenomena (e.g., brain injuries).
Useful for generating new theories and hypotheses where limited research exists.
Detailed data provides a nuanced understanding of individual experiences.
Limitations case studies
Small sample size (often a single case) limits generalizability to broader populations.
Subjectivity in interpreting qualitative data, prone to researcher bias.
Difficult to replicate, reducing reliability.
Potential inaccuracy or incompleteness of historical data (e.g., memory recall).
Observations strenghts
Capture natural behavior in real-world settings, leading to high ecological validity.
Ideal for studying non-verbal behaviors and group interactions not easily conveyed through verbal reports.
Provides insights into spontaneous actions or behaviors that participants may not be consciously aware of.
Observations limitations
Observer bias can affect how data is recorded or interpreted.
social desirability bias: participants may alter their behavior if they know they are being observed.
Limited ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships due to lack of control over variables.
Ethical concerns when observing without consent or ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
questionnaire strenghts
Efficient and inexpensive for gathering data from large groups.
Standardized questions allow for consistency in data collection, aiding statistical analysis.
Can ensure anonymity, encouraging honest responses on sensitive topics.
Quick to administer through online or paper formats.
questionnaire limitations
Low response rates may result in sampling bias (non-representative samples).
Responses may be influenced by social desirability bias, leading to less truthful answers.
Typically closed-ended, which may fail to capture the full complexity of respondents’ thoughts and behaviors.
Misinterpretation of questions can reduce validity of responses.
Data relies on self-report, which may not always accurately reflect real behavior.
