researching mental health Flashcards
what is a longitudinal study
over a long period of time, going back and seeing the difference using the same ppts - observational research method
what is a cross sectional study
an observational study collected of a population or group from a specific time
what is primary data
data collected firsthand by the experimenter
what is secondary data
using data that has already been collected
strengths and weaknesses of primary data
+ operationalisation is doen with the research aim in mind
+ more credible as has been gathered for the particular purpose
- limited by time, location, number and type of ppts
- expensive - when considering time, materials and design
- more concerns over subjective interpretation of results
strengths and weaknesses of secondary data
+ offers more potential for large quantities of data
+ relatively cheap
+ check for reliability and validity
- may be no longer relevant for current timeframe
- may not be valid as may not be collected for and so fit for the purpose
description of a longitudinal study
- observational
- over a long period of time
- study developmental trends across the life span
- observe the state of the experiment without manipulating it
- can be affected by extraneous variables and factors
- do not interfere with subjects
- are able to come to solid conclusions
- can use quesionnaires
strengths of a longitudinal study
follow the same people so no individual differences may affect results. likely to have had very similar experiences
finds out how we develop
weaknesses of a longitudinal study
difficult to keep ppts in study for long enough to draw conclusions
valentine found that patients who started in the group focusing on psych-education could be moved to another institution before finishing
- possible ethical difficulties - following someone can be intrusive than studying them once
description of cross sectional studies
only occurs once
snapshot in time
more ethical
more practicable
