Paper 3 - Methodology characteristics

Experiment

IV on the DV

Experimenters manipulate the IV to see its impact on the DV. This helps establishing a cause-and-effect link between the IV and DV

Control of variables

The researcher attempts to control for extraneous variables that could have an unwanted affect on the dependent variable. Therefore, enhancing internal validity.

Field experiment

IV on the DV

Seeks to determine casual relationships between an IV and DV in a real-world environment.

Difficulties controlling variables

Research is conducted in a real-life setting. This increases the ecological validity of the findings but it makes it challenging to control for extraneous variables due to the natural setting which decreases internal validity.

Quasi experiment

IV on the DV

Experimenters seek to determine whether an IV that is already existing within the participant has impacted the dependent variable

Lack of random allocation

Participants cannot be randomly allocated to different conditions which limits the internal validity as there may be uncontrolled participant variables that could impact the dependent variable

Natural experiment

IV on DV

Experimenters seek to determine whether a naturally occurring independent variable in the environment can impact the dependent variable

Difficulties controlling variables

The IV is naturally occurring in society so there might be a lack of internal validity, as changes in the DV may be due to extraneous factors beyond the experimenters control that exist in the environment

Correlation

No manipulation or cause and effect link

Covariables are not manipulated, and a cause-and-effect link cannot be established

Often used to explore ethically sensitive areas

As the researcher isn’t manipulating variables, its a more ethical way to research the topic

Quantitative survey

Standardized set of questions asked

Asks specific questions allowing for participants to directly report on their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on a statement, this can be collected through a rating scale or Likert scale.

Same size and representational

Surveys generally allow researchers to collect a large amount of data in a relatively short period and they are less expensive than qualitative methods.

Naturalistic participant observation

Involved

The researcher is actively involved in the research an interacts with the participants as data is collected.

Natural setting

The observer collects data from participants in their natural/real environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting.

Naturalistic non-participant observation

Not involed

The researcher remains separate from the activities of the group and does not interact with participants whilst conducting the observation.

Natural setting

The observer collects data from participants in their natural/real environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting.

Naturalistic covert observation

Don’t know

Participants are unaware that the observer is collecting data. This adds to the credibility of the study as they will be less inhibited and unaffected by demand characteristics.

Natural setting

The observer collects data from participants in their natural/real environments without any deliberate manipulation of the setting.

Unstructured interview

Direction with significant flexibility

The researcher has a clear objective and sets topics for discussion; however, the direction of the interview is determined by the interviewee’s responses to previous questions

Interviewers training

Interviewers need training and experience to collect credible data; it can be hard to keep the interview on track and achieve the research objective.

Semi-structured interview

Flexibility

There are pre-determined questions in the interview schedule, however, the interviewer can ask follow on questions if the interviewee presents an unanticipated and relevant view.

Can include closed and open questions

Both open and closed questions can be asked. Open questions prompt longer, richer answers, and closed questions result in brief, precise answers of just a few words.

Structured interviews

No flexibility

The researcher must only ask the pre-determined questions in the interview schedule, they cannot deviate or ask follow up questions.

Can include open and closed questions

Both open and closed questions can be asked. Open questions prompt longer, richer answers, and closed questions result in brief, precise answers of just a few words.

Focus group

Number of people

Often comprises of 6-10 people who are interviewed together about a topic of common interest; this size of group encourages people to share their ideas and bond together, developing a sense of belonging and trust which helps people talk freely about even sensitive issues.

Facilitator

Researchers become the group facilitator and their role is to monitor the discussion, keep the group on topic if they veer off into an irrelevant topic; they must ensure that all issues raised are responded to and explored as fully as possible within the time available.

Case study

Small sample size

Case studies typically focus on a single individual, group, or organization.

Method triangulation

Case studies often use method triangulation and gathered data from a variety of techniques. This allows for rich and detailed insights into the behaviours of interest.