Research Methods & Techniques Flashcards
Name two types of experiments
- Field
- Laboratory
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment that takes place under controlled conditions.
Name an advantage of lab experiment
There is an Increase in the levels of control
Name a disadvantage of a lab experiment
Low ecological validity
What is a field experiment?
An experiment which takes place in a participants natural surrounding. For example, school
Name an advantage of field experiments
High in ecological validity due to the surroundings being more realistic
Name a disadvantage of a field experiment
Low levels of control
What could both field and lab experiments be classified as?
True experiments, as they both control the variables under investigation
What is a quasi experiment ?
An experiment which lacks random allocation to groups
What do experiments allow researchers to show?
Cause and effect
What is observational research?
In this research, scientists conduct a clinical or case study where they focus on one person or just a few individuals.
Limitations of observational research?
- often uses rare characteristics found in humans, which isn’t easily generalisable to society.
- hard to find rare participants
Why is observational research not experimental?
As None of the variables are being controlled
Naturalistic observation
Observing behaviour in its natural environment
Advantages of naturalist observation
- high validity (accuracy)
- easily generalisable
- can be ethically acceptable due to no disturbances if done correctly
Disadvantages of naturalistic observations
- difficult to set up
- no control over behaviours
- Requires lots of time and luck
Structured observation
The researcher decides in advance what sort of behaviour they are looking for and devises an observation checklist to complete during the observation.
Structured observation - data gathered?
Quantitative data - usually tally chart
Unstructured observation
Researcher records all the action
Unstructured observation- data generated ?
Quantitative or qualitative data
Participant observation
Where the researcher joins in the situation being observed.
Non-participant observation
The researcher watches from a distance and does not engage
Is a observation a experiment gal research method?
No - it’s a non-experimental
Ethically, what must happen to a participant?
Participants must be told that they are being observed. However if disciples this can alter behaviour and lead to observer effect.
