methods

semi structured interviews

qual

• interview guide - standardised questions = high reliability of findings.

• one to one situation = somewhat artificial (low ecological validity)

quasi experiment

quan

• participants are grouped based on a trait/ behaviour (not randomly allocated) = potential for bias.

• no cause and effect relationship = no IV manipulated.

natural experiment

quan

• IV is naturally occurring = lack of controls.

• usually a pre/ post test design.

experiments

quan

• use of characteristics = manipulated IV, all other variables stay the same.

• highly standardised = detailed procedure (replicable).

naturalistic observation

qual

• high eco validity = natural environment.

• ethical considerations, may not be aware of observations = aim not to violate privacy.

surveys

quan

• generate lots of data = detailed analysis.

• cause them to fit the most relatable choice (not their actual feelings) = may result in low validity.

field experiment

quan

• high eco validity = outside of a lab setting.

• cannot control extraneous variables = hard to replicate.

case study

qual

• focus on a small group/ one person = rich, detailed data.

• method triangulation = different means of investigating data.

unstructured interviews

qual

• high eco validity = like a normal conversation.

• not dependent on standardised questions = avoids leaving questions.

correlational research

quan

• variables change together.

• no IV is manipulated = no cause and effect relationship established.

focus groups

qual

• quick and convenient = lots of data at once.

• presence of other in a group = may result in conformity.