Types of Studies Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is an experiment?
An experiment is used to determine the cause and effect relationship between variables. It involves an experimental group which is:
> Exposed to the IV, and
A control group which isn’t exposed to the IV.
What are the types of studies?
> Experiment
Case study
Observational study
Self-Report
What is a case study?
An in-depth study of an individual or group through various methods of observation, interviews and diagnostic tests and used to study rare disorders or conditions.
What are the advantages of a case study?
> Provides highly detailed results
> Provides ideas for further experimental research
> A hypothesis/theory can be proposed
> Reduces artificiality with no manipulation of variables.
What are the disadvantages of a case study?
> Not easily replicated
> Lack of control over extraneous variables
> Can’t make valid conclusions with the lack of an IV and a DV
> Difficult and time consuming to analyse, summarise and report the data
> Difficult to generalise data
What is an observational study?
When behaviour is observed and recorded in a natural setting and attempting to generate conclusions based on observations.
What are the types of observational studies?
> Naturalistic Observation: behaviour is observed in a ‘real life’ setting. e.g. child interaction in the playground
> Participant Observation: researcher is an active member of a group being observed in a crowded area e.g. feigning injury to observe the bystander effect
> Non-Participant Observation: researcher observes whilst concealing their presence e.g. sitting in an audience
What are the advantages of an observational study?
> Information is more accurate as behaviour hasn’t been affected by artificial surroundings
> Doesn’t require consent/cooperation of participants involved (raising ethical concerns
What are the disadvantages of an observational study?
> Describes behaviour, but not the cause
> Risk of observer effect: behaviour may change if participants are aware someone is observing their behaviour
> Observer bias: observations are affected by the observer’s expectations, motives and past experience
> Ethical issues: lack of consent
What are self-reports?
Written or oral responses to questions or statements (questionnaires, interviews etc.), providing a subjective account of the participant’s attitudes or feelings.
What are the advantages of a self-reports?
> Can provide highly descriptive data
> Sensitive data can be gathered (participants remain anonymous)
What are the disadvantages of a self-reports?
> Difficult to represent as quantitative data
> Can result in a low response rate
> Participants experiencing difficulty expressing thoughts/giving honest answers/interpreting questions
