Research methods

Question 1

Name two different types of experimental research methods.

Answer 1

laboratory, field experiment, natural experiment

Question 2

Name two different types of non experimental research methods.

Answer 2

self reports techniques (interview and questionnaire), Correlational analysis, Case studies and Observational techniques

Question 3

What are the strengths of a laboratory research method?

Answer 3

• As all variables have been controlled the results are thought to be reliable.
• It can be easily checked for reliability as others can replicate the procedure.
• Conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect relationships.
• The pace of research can be forced – you can simulate the conditions you want to investigate.

Question 4

What are the weaknesses of a laboratory research method?

Answer 4

• As events do not occur in the natural environment the research may have low validity and it is not possible to generalise from the laboratory situation to naturally occurring events.
• The laboratory situation means more likelihood of demand characteristics
• The more variables and people are manipulated the more likelihood of ethical dilemmas.

Question 5

what is a laboratory research method?

Answer 5

it is an experiment in a controlled condition, usually done in a laboratory.

Question 6

what is a field experiment ?

Answer 6

an experiment in a real situation where the iv can be changed and manipulated

Question 7

what are the strengths of a field experiment?

Answer 7

• Validity is likely to increase as the experiment takes place in the natural environment.
• Demand characteristics are reduced as there is usually limited contact with the researcher.

Question 8

what are the weaknesses of a field experiment?

Answer 8

• As only the iv is manipulated control is reduced and the results become less reliable through likelihood of extraneous variables and sources of bias. E.g. the sample.

Question 9

what is a natural experiment ?

Answer 9

a natural experiment is a situation that would naturally occur, situation that is naturally occurring – in an environment that the behaviour is expected to occur in.

Question 10

what is the independent variable?

Answer 10

the variable that is changed in the experiment the ‘cause’

Question 11

what is the dependant variable?

Answer 11

measured by the researcher for the effect of manipulating IV

Question 12

what are demand characteristics?

Answer 12

a cue to participants that might make them aware of the researchers expectations.

Question 13

what is validity?

Answer 13

The degree to which research can legitimately explain or truly reflects the behaviour under review.

Question 14

what is reliability?

Answer 14

the consistency of the measurement.

Question 15

what are extraneous variables?

Answer 15

are variables which are not controlled in the research situation that could confound the results. i.e the results are not reliable and we cannot assume changes in the DV have been caused by the IV.

Question 16

Name two non experimental research methods

Answer 16

Self report techniques (questionnaire and interview), Correlational analysis, Case studies and Observational techniques.

Question 17

what is an interview?

Answer 17

a set of questions, a face to face meeting with the participant.

Question 18

what is a questionnaire?

Answer 18

a set of questions that are paper based, they do not require contact with the researcher.

Question 19

what is Correlational analysis?

Answer 19

results put into quantitative form and are processed statistically to determine if they are related to each other. such as if the dv is related to the iv

Question 20

what is a case study?

Answer 20

Highly detailed analysis of one individual or a ‘case’ (event or group). primary data has been collected by the researcher testing the hypothesis and making the analysis. Secondary data has been sourced by another

Question 21

what are Observational techniques?

Answer 21

Watching and recording the behaviour of others.

Question 22

what are the strengths of an interview?

Answer 22

direct access to a persons beliefs, opinions and attitudes. non verbal communication can be put into results. Can get a clarification of answers.
(structured) more reliability because format is standardized.(unstructured) more valid. Participants could provide unanticipated information.

Question 23

what are the strengths of a questionnaire?

Answer 23

answers can be a rich source of valid data.direct access to a persons beliefs, opinions and attitudes.(closed questions) more reliability because format is standardized.(open questions) more valid.Participants could provide unanticipated information.Questionnaires can be quick, economic and generate large samples.

Question 24

what are the strengths of Observational techniques?

Answer 24

As behaviours are occurring in the natural environment there is high validity.
Some situations could not be simulated. Observation is needed when participants cannot be responsive to other methods.

Question 25

what are the strengths of Correlational analysis?

Answer 25

Can be used as a precursor to a study – if no relationship exists investigation would waste resources. Secondary data can be used – can be economic as researchers can use others results. Can relate variables which maybe unethical to manipulate. Can indicate the strength of a relationship.

Question 26

what are the strengths of case studies?

Answer 26

Rich source of data. Depth of detail contributes to validity. It is possible to study events that it is not possible to manipulate. can be more ethical as the situation occurred without manipulation.

Question 27

what are the weaknesses of an interview?

Answer 27

Interviews are face to face and have more demand characteristics. The participants may adjust answers depending on the researchers profile.

Question 28

what are the weaknesses of a questionnaire?

Answer 28

Questionnaires can also be answered to reflect ‘social desirability’ making them less reliable. Open questions can be valid but researcher bias can be a problem on refining the participants answers to form results and conclusions. Structured questions may reflect the viewpoint of the researcher and not anticipate variables. Closed questions can be less valid. It is difficult to write good questionnaires to suit a range of readers and to avoid questions that cue an answer.

Question 29

what are the weaknesses of Observational techniques?

Answer 29

There maybe ethical issues with observing people without their consent. If participants know they are being observed they may change their behaviour and reduce the validity of the findings. Observing without a schedule makes the results less reliable as behaviours maybe missed. Data will need editing and behaviours not fitting the hypothesis maybe ignored. Observing with a schedule may introduce researcher bias as behavioural categories assume certain behaviours will be seen.

Question 30

what are the weaknesses of Correlational analysis?

Answer 30

Although variables may appear to be related/ unrelated – a cause and effect relationship cannot be assumed –it is not experimental. The relationship maybe the result of an ‘unknown’ third variable. Correlational analysis cannot account for non-linear relationships.

Question 31

what are the weaknesses of case studies?

Answer 31

Causal relationships are difficult to establish. Unless experimental techniques are used as part of the case study – which would be unusual. Can you generalise from unique cases? Open to researcher bias as the case needs editing.