AP Research Methods: Quantitative & Qualitative Techniques Overview

Observational Study

Limited, prespecified focus; human studies focus on certain behavior and quantify it, counting each occurrence or rating on for some aspect.

Best uses of Observational Study

Examine behavior of nonliving objects; observe characteristics of physical phenomena.

Limitations of Observational Study

Time consuming; considerable advance planning; assistance of other researchers is needed.

Correlational Study

Examines the association of differences in one variable with differences in another variable.

Best uses of Correlational Study

Making predictions; identifying relationships between variables and how one affects the other.

Limitations of Correlational Study

Correlation does not mean causation; cause and effect conclusions cannot be based on correlation alone.

Cross-sectional Study

People are sampled across variety of groups and compared.

Best uses of Cross-sectional Study

Comparing multiple groups of people at a single point in time.

Limitations of Cross-sectional Study

Different groups may have different backgrounds or contexts; other possible explanations for study results must be considered.

Longitudinal Study

Single group of people is followed and observed over period of time.

Best uses of Longitudinal Study

Observing how particular characteristics change over time; determining whether data at one point will predict data at another point.

Limitations of Longitudinal Study

Time consuming; participants may become unavailable over time; correlation does not mean causation.

Survey Research

Asking questions to groups of people and analyzing responses to questions.

Best uses of Survey Research

Gathering data on people's opinions, attitudes, and experiences with certain topic.

Limitations of Survey Research

Responses only capture momentary opinions and cannot document changes; questions must be well constructed.

Case Study

Particular group is studied in depth for a period of time.

Best uses of Case Study

A unique and exceptional case, or little known and poorly understood situation; examining how a group changes over time.

Limitations of Case Study

Studying only one group may provide information too general to apply to other groups; time consuming.

Ethnography

An entire group that shares a commonality is observed in its natural setting for a long period of time.

Best uses of Ethnography

Understanding complex and specific characteristics of one particular group; examining how the group's beliefs and culture affect their daily behaviors and interactions.

Limitations of Ethnography

Time consuming; researchers becoming immersed or involved in the group may cause bias and a potential loss of objectivity.

Phenomenological

Examining the perspectives surrounding a particular phenomenon.

Best uses of Phenomenological

Understanding a phenomenon from the perspective of people who have directly experienced it.

Limitations of Phenomenological

Usually involve small group of participants, which limits the range of perspectives covered in the study.

Grounded Theory

Uses previously collected information to develop a theory.

Best uses of Grounded Theory

When there isn't a theory, or only theories that are inadequate, for a certain situation.

Limitations of Grounded Theory

Process will constantly evolve as data collection occurs simultaneously with data analysis.

Content Analysis

Closely examining a body of material to identify patterns or themes.

Best uses of Content Analysis

Identifying recurring patterns, themes, characteristics, or biases in a body of media or form of communication.

Limitations of Content Analysis

Requires extensive planning before research process can begin; interpretations of patterns or themes could involve researcher bias or subjectivity.