Research Methods Flashcards
(47 cards)
Define lab experiment
When IV is deliberately manipulated in a specially designed environment where other variables can be easily controlled.
PPs are aware that they are taking part.
Strengths of lab experiment
- More control
- Easily replicated
Weaknesses of lab experiment
- Artificial environment, lacking ecological validity
- Demand characteristics
Define field experiment
Deliberate manipulation of the IV in a natural environment.
PPs are often unaware that they are in the experiment.
Strengths of field experiment
- High ecological validity
- No demand characteristics
Weaknesses of field experiment
- Less control, can be less confident with cause and effect.
- Unethical:Might experience distress and are not debriefed, invasion of privacy.
Define natural experiment
When the IV already exists.
Strengths of natural experiment
- Provides opportunities for research that wouldn’t have been done.
- High external validity because they study real life issues.
- Might be more ethical because it does not interfere with PP’s existence.
Weaknesses of natural experiment
- Rare, can be difficult to generalize
- Randomisation: not randomly allocated so participant effects may lower validity. Can be less confident about cause and effect.
Define self-report
When PPs ar required to give their own responses.
Strengths of questionnaires
- Easily replicated
- PPs might be more willing to reveal personal information than in an interview.
Weaknesses of questionnaires
- Answers may not be truthful due to leading questions or social desirability bias. Can use filler questions to help.
- sample bias: can only be filled by literate people with time to do it.
Strengths and weaknesses open questions
- They produce qualitative data- rich detail
- More difficult to analyze
Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative data
- Easier to analyze
- PPs may be forced to select answers that are not their real thoughts of behavior.
Types of closed questions
- Likert scales:PPs must choose the extent which they agree
- Rating scales:PPs identify a value that represents their strength of feeling about a particular topic
- Fixed choice option:from the lists of options, PPs have to indicate which ones apply to them.
Strengths of structured interview
Easily replicated because questions are standardized .
Easier to analyze.
Weaknesses of structured interview
Answers may not be truthful due to social desirability bias.
Answers may influenced by interviewer:interviewer bias.
Strengths of semi structured interview
More detailed information.
Can access extra information.
More ecological validity because it is like a real conversation.
Weaknesses of semi structured interview
More likely to be affected by interviewer bias.
Requires trained interviewers.
Difficult to summarize data, to analyze for trends, or make comparisons.
Strengths of unstructured interview
More flexibility
Could be tailored according to the answer.
Weaknesses of unstructured interview
Hard to analyze.
Social desirability bias.
Requires trained interviewers which are expensive.
Lack objectivity due to spontaneous nature.
Define a case study
A detailed study of an individual, event, or a community which uses a range of sources and methods, They usually have a longitudinal nature.
Strengths of case studies
Allows great depth and genuine context, increasing validity.
Validity can be improved by triangulation.
High ecological validity.
Follows developmental changes.
Weaknesses of case studies
Low generalizability as case is unique.
Researcher Bias and subjectivity as relationship forms.
Ethical issues with privacy and confidentiality.
