Unit 2 - Methodologies (correlation, types of data and sources)

What is a ‘correlational study’?

A research method which involves comparing two continuous variables (co-variables) to see if there is a relationship/association between them. A scatter diagram/scatter graph can be used to illustrate correlations. A positive correlation means that high values of one variable are associated with high values of the other whereas a negative correlation means that high values of one variable are associated with low values of the other. The closer the coefficient is to 0, the weaker the coefficient, the closer the coefficient is to 1 (+1 or -1), the stronger it is.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a ‘correlational study’?

Strengths of correlational studies are that they show both the direction and strength of a relationship which can then be used to make predictions about behaviour, and they can be used when experiments are inappropriate, meaning it would be unethical to manipulate the independent variable.

Weaknesses are that correlations only show whether there is a relationship; not how or why co-variables are related where there may be other external variables that explain the relationship, and it is difficult to establish cause and effect using correlation.

What is ‘quantitative data’?

A type of data that can be measured numerically by the psychologist so that statistical analysis can be completed.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of ‘quantitative data’?

Strengths of quantitative data are that data is easy to analyse using statistics and that it is easier to collect data from a large group of participants.

Weaknesses are that they tend to lose the ‘human level’ of behaviour, and they tend to offer a very shallow view of behaviour.

What is ‘qualitative data’?

A type of data that can be observed but not measured numerically. It is descriptive data and usually takes the form of words, thoughts and feelings, and is difficult to analyse.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of ‘qualitative data’?

Strengths of qualitative data are that they can offer a more individualised, ‘human’ view of behaviour and it provides in-depth, detailed data.

Weaknesses are that it can be difficult to analyse collected data due to its subjective nature and data tends to come from a limited number and range of people.

What are ‘primary sources’?

Information/data that is directly collected by the researcher first-hand, e.g. they collect data through a questionnaire, experiment, interviews etc. for their research.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of ‘primary sources’?

Strengths of primary sources are that the researcher can control the format in exactly how data is collected; it will specifically relate to the aims of the research.

Weaknesses are that data collected may lack validity due to social desirability or demand characteristics.

What are ‘secondary sources’?

Information sources/data that have not been directly collected/created by the researcher, e.g. use of methods such as content analysis of existing data or literature reviews.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of ‘secondary sources’?

Strengths of secondary sources are that data produced without the ‘participant’ knowing the artefact would be in research could be more valid.

Weaknesses are that the researcher can’t control the format of how the data is produced or collected; it may not be a specific match to the aim of the research.