2.2 Approaches to Research

What are the four main observational research methods used by psychologists?

What are the four main observational research methods used by psychologists?

What is the main goal of psychological research methods?

To describe, understand, and explain behavior and mental processes

What is a case study?

An in-depth investigation of one or a few individuals with rare or unique conditions

What is a major strength of case studies?

Provides detailed, rich information

What is a major weakness of case studies?

Low generalizability to the broader population

What is naturalistic observation?

Observing behavior in its natural environment without interference

What is a major benefit of naturalistic observation?

High ecological validity (real-world accuracy)

What are key limitations of naturalistic observation?

Difficult to control, time-consuming, risk of observer bias

What is observer bias?

When researchers’ expectations influence their observations

How is observer bias reduced?

By using clear behavioral criteria and multiple observers (inter-rater reliability)

What is structured observation?

Observing people in controlled, scripted scenarios (e.g. Strange Situation)

What is a survey?

A set of questions given to participants to gather self-reported data

What are advantages of surveys?

Can collect data from large samples quickly and cost-effectively

What are disadvantages of surveys?

Shallow data, self-report bias (lying, social desirability, memory errors)

What is archival research?

Using existing data or records to answer research questions

Advantages of archival research?

Inexpensive, no need to recruit participants

Disadvantages of archival research?

No control over how data was collected or its quality

What is correlational research?

Examines relationships between variables but does not prove causation

What is needed to establish causation?

Experimental research with controlled variables

What is longitudinal research?

Studying the same group of individuals over an extended period of time

Strengths of longitudinal research?

Tracks real developmental or behavioral changes over time

Weaknesses of longitudinal research?

Time-consuming, expensive, high dropout (attrition) rates

What is cross-sectional research?

Comparing different age or demographic groups at one point in time

Advantage of cross-sectional research?

Quicker and less costly than longitudinal studies

What is a cohort effect?

Differences caused by generational experiences, not age itself