Types of Studies AP Psychology

Case studies

In-depth examination of a SINGLE individual, group, or event. Often involves collecting detailed qualitative data through observations, interviews, and analysis of historical records.

Naturalistic Observation

Involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interfering/manipulating by the researcher. Aims to study behaviors in their typical setting.

Correlational Studies

Examine the relationship between two or more variables to determine whether they are associated (but not casually linked)

Experiments

Controlled study that is conducted to establish casual relations between an independent and a dependent variable. This means we control for confounding variables a best as possible to remove potentially faulty alternative reasons.

Meta-Analysis

Combines multiple similar studies and seeks to find correlation in the analysis of their result. Basically, scientists will take several studies that have a similar hypothesis or theory and see if there is a correlation in the data between the results in addition to their own conclusion