Basics of Research Methods 8

True (Randomized) Experiment

study controlled by researchers (usually in a lab) that involves manipulation of variables, random assignment of participants and usage of a specific equipment.

Quasi-Experiment

A design that looks like an experiment (has independent variables) but lacks Random Assignment. When you cannot ethically or logically randomize people (e.g., gender, smokers vs. non-smokers).

Field Experiment

A quasi-experiment conducted in the participant's natural setting (outside the lab). It aims to capture behavior as it occurs in everyday life

Lab Design

Artificial environment, High Internal Validity (clear cause-effect), High Control.

Field Design

Natural environment, High Ecological Validity (real-life behavior), Low Control.

Reactivity (Lab)

High Reactivity (Participants know they are being studied and may fake behavior).

Field (Lab)

Low Reactivity, participants may be unaware, leading to genuine behavior.

Non-Experimental Designs

Studies with no manipulation of variables. Researchers just observe or measure things as they are (e.g., Correlational studies, Surveys).

Non-Participant

The observer is distant, objective, and does not interact (e.g., behind a mirror).

Participant

The researcher becomes part of the group they are observing (interacts with them).

Full Participant

"Undercover" (group doesn't know)

Participant as Observer

Participates, but group knows they are researching.

Observer as Participant

Interacts but primarily there to observe; group knows

Full Observer

Completely hidden/distant; no interaction.

Systematic/Structured Observation

Observation that uses a defined coding framework to quantify behavior (giving numbers to actions).

Qualitative Criticism" of Structured Observation

It is too rigid. It breaks behavior down into "meaningless units" (codes) and ignores the context or meaning behind the actions.

Event Sampling

Recording the frequency of a specific behavior (e.g., counting how many times a child cries).

Interval Sampling

Recording how often a behavior occurs within consecutive, specified time intervals.

Time Sampling

Recording behavior during specified non-continuous intervals (e.g., only recording during the first 5 minutes of every hour).

Momentary Time Sampling

Recording whether a behavior is happening only at the very end of a specified interval (e.g., exactly when the timer hits 10 minutes).

Partial Interval Recording

Recording if the behavior happened at all (Yes/No) during a specific time interval.

Halo Effect

A bias where if a participant has one positive trait, the observer assumes they have other positive traits.

Reverse Halo Effect

A: A bias where if a participant has one negative trait, the observer assumes they have other negative traits.

Ethnocentrism in Research

The tendency for research (historically Western) to be treated as the standard, making it irrelevant to other cultures.

Cross-Sectional Study

Comparing different groups (e.g., 20-year-olds vs. 60-year-olds) at one specific time.

Main limitation of Cross-Sectional Study

Cohort Effects. Differences might be due to generational history (e.g., growing up with the internet) rather than age itself.

Longitudinal Study

Following the same sample of people over a long period of time.

Main Limitation with Longitudinal Study

Participants drop out, die, or move away, which ruins the sample.