Research Methods 5

Question 1

What ‘s quantative data

Answer 1

• Concerned with the quantity, represented in numerical form
• quantative data collection techniques involve experiments, observations using behavioural categories and correlation

Question 2

What is the experimental method?

Answer 2

The experimental method aims to determine cause and effect through the manipulation of variables.

Question 3

What is a laboratory experiment?

Answer 3

A laboratory experiment takes place in a carefully controlled environment. The IV is manipulated by the experimenter.

Example: Milgram’s research into obedience.

Question 4

Advantage of a laboratory experiment?

Answer 4

Easier to control all variables, allowing determination of whether the IV affects the DV.

Question 5

Disadvantage of a laboratory experiment?

Answer 5

Lacks ecological validity, meaning findings cannot be generalized to the real world.

Question 6

What is a field experiment?

Answer 6

A field experiment takes place in the real world, with the IV manipulated by the experimenter.

Example: Bickman’s research.

Question 7

Advantage of a field experiment?

Answer 7

Has ecological validity, allowing findings to be generalized to the real world.

Question 8

Disadvantage of a field experiment?

Answer 8

Lack of control of variables, which may affect the dependent variable.

Question 9

What is a natural experiment?

Answer 9

In a natural experiment, the IV is naturally occurring and not manipulated by the researcher.

Question 10

Advantage of a natural experiment?

Answer 10

Allows study of areas where IV manipulation is not possible for practical or ethical reasons.

Example: Institutionalized Romanian orphans.

Question 11

Disadvantage of a natural experiment?

Answer 11

Lack of control of variables, increasing the likelihood of confounding variables affecting results.

Question 12

What is a quasiexperiment?

Answer 12

A quasiexperiment involves an IV that already exists, such as age or gender, and is not manipulated.

Question 13

Advantage of a quasiexperiment?

Answer 13

Allows study of areas where IV manipulation is not possible for practical or ethical reasons.

Question 14

Disadvantage of a quasiexperiment?

Answer 14

Researcher cannot randomly allocate participants, leading to potential confounding variables.

Question 15

What is a self-report technique?

Answer 15

A self-report technique involves participants explaining their own beliefs, opinions, or attitudes.

Question 16

What is a questionnaire?

Answer 16

A questionnaire is a set of written questions to which participants record their own answers.

Question 17

Advantage of a questionnaire?

Answer 17

Participants can answer without the researcher present, reducing experimenter bias.

Question 18

Disadvantage of a questionnaire?

Answer 18

If wording is unclear, participants may misunderstand questions, leading to inaccurate answers.

Question 19

What is an interview?

Answer 19

An interview is conducted face to face, with participants answering questions verbally.

Question 20

Advantage of an interview?

Answer 20

Allows clarification of questions, ensuring participants understand what is being asked.

Question 21

Disadvantage of an interview?

Answer 21

Participants may present themselves favorably due to social desirability, leading to untruthful responses.

Question 22

What is a structured interview?

Answer 22

Structured interviews involve predetermined questions asked in a fixed order.

Question 23

Advantage of a structured interview?

Answer 23

Easy to replicate as each participant receives the same questions, enhancing reliability.

Question 24

Disadvantage of a structured interview?

Answer 24

May lack validity as the researcher cannot vary questions for more information.

Question 25

What is an unstructured interview?

Answer 25

Unstructured interviews resemble a conversation with no set questions.

Question 26

Advantage of an unstructured interview?

Answer 26

Can gain validity as the researcher can vary questions for deeper insight.

Question 27

Disadvantage of an unstructured interview?

Answer 27

Questions won't be replicated, leading to lower reliability.

Question 28

What are correlations?

Answer 28

Correlations refer to a method of research investigating the relationship between two variables, called co-variables.

Question 29

What are co-variables?

Answer 29

Co-variables are the two variables being investigated in a correlation.

Question 30

Advantage of correlations?

Answer 30

An ethical way of collecting data as there is no manipulation of variables.

Question 31

Disadvantage of correlations?

Answer 31

Cannot infer cause and effect, as it's unclear if one variable causes a change in the other.

Question 32

What are co-variables?

Answer 32

Co-variables are the variables investigated in a correlation. They are not referred to as independent and dependent variables because the study is investigating the relationship between them, not trying to show a cause and effect relationship.

Question 33

What is the difference between correlations and experiments?

Answer 33

In experiments, the researcher controls or manipulates the independent variable and cause and effect can be established. In correlations, the variables are neither controlled nor manipulated, so cause and effect cannot be established.

Question 34

What are observations?

Answer 34

Observational techniques involve watching and recording behaviour, e.g., watching how children play.

Question 35

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 35

A naturalistic observation involves watching and recording behaviour in a real world situation. ## Footnote An advantage is that it is likely to have low demand characteristics; a disadvantage is that there is a lack of control over extraneous variables.

Question 36

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 36

In a controlled observation, the participants' environment is structured. ## Footnote An advantage is that there are high levels of control over extraneous variables; a disadvantage is that there is less ecological validity.

Question 37

What is a covert observation?

Answer 37

In covert observation, participants don't know and haven't given their consent for their behaviour to be watched. ## Footnote An advantage is that the validity of the data is increased; a disadvantage is that it is unethical.

Question 38

What is an overt observation?

Answer 38

In overt observation, participants do know and have given their consent for their behaviour to be watched. ## Footnote An advantage is that it is ethical; a disadvantage is that the validity of the data is decreased due to the Hawthorne effect.

Question 39

What is participant observation?

Answer 39

Participant observation involves the researcher becoming a member of the group they are watching. ## Footnote An advantage is that it may increase validity; a disadvantage is that the researcher may lose objectivity.

Question 40

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 40

In non-participant observation, the researcher does not become a member of the group they are watching. ## Footnote An advantage is that the researcher may remain objective; a disadvantage is that it may decrease validity.

Question 41

What is a case study?

Answer 41

A case study is a detailed study about an individual or group of people and is either longitudinal or retrospective. ## Footnote An advantage is that it provides lots of detail; a disadvantage is that it is difficult to replicate.

Question 42

What is content analysis?

Answer 42

Content analysis is a technique for analysing qualitative data of various kinds, allowing data to be placed into categories and counted or analysed in themes. ## Footnote A strength is that it is easy to perform; a weakness is that it is descriptive and may not show underlying reasons for behaviour.

Question 43

What is thematic analysis?

Answer 43

Thematic analysis involves assessing data to identify patterns within it, following six stages from familiarisation with the data to writing up. ## Footnote A strength is that it provides insights into themes; a weakness is that it may be subjective.