IB HL Psychology - Research Methods

Definition of Quantitative

Definition of Quantitative

The data gathered in these studies is numerical. 

Definition of Qualitative

Qualitative data are descriptions or whole sentences.

Quantitative Research Methods

Experiments
Correlational
Survey

Qualitative Research Methods

Interview
Case Study
Observation
Questionnaire

Experiements

Lab Experiment

Field Experiment

Quasi Experiment

Natural Experiment

Definition of a Lab Experiments

A lab experiment aims to find a cause and effect relationship, and is conducted in a lab for a short time using random allocation

Strengths of a Lab Experiment

High internal validity-
Can establish Cause and effect relationship
Highly standardized
Random allocation

Limitations of a Lab Experiment

Low ecological validity

Definition of a Field Experiment

When we do studies outside of the laboratory, in the "real world"

Strengths of a Field Experiment

High ecological validity

Limitations of a Field Experiment

High chance of extraneous variables

Low reliability

Ethical considerations

Definition of a Quasi Experiment

Participants are not randomly allocated to conditions but grouped based on a trait or behavior.

Strengths of a Quasi Experiment

High ecological validity

Limitations of a Quasi Experiment

Extraneous variables

Ethical considerations

Definition of a Natural Experiment

Refers to an independent variable that is environmental in nature and outside of the control of the researcher. Pre-test, post-test design.

Definition of a Correlational Study

Studying the relationship between two variables when one variable changes, another variable changes as well.

Strengths of a Correlational Study

Can be done without having to do an experiment -Does not necessarily require participants

Limitations of a Correlational Study

No cause-and-effect relationship, Bidirectional ambiguity

Definition of a Survey

A survey is both a set of questions and the process of collecting, aggregating, and analyzing the responses from those questions. 

Strengths of a Survey

Allow for degrees of opinion, Quantitative data is obtained, which means that the data can be analyzed using statistical methods.

Limitations of a Survey

Data is hard to analyze using statistics, You should only use median and mode, measurement can be compromised due to social desirability