psychology P3

Research Method

A systematic way of investigating psychological phenomena to produce data

Qualitative Research

Research focused on meaning, experience and how people make sense of the world

Quantitative Research

Research aimed at producing objective knowledge by measuring variables

Case Study

A detailed analysis over time of a singular area of interest to produce in-depth, context-dependent knowledge

Characteristic of Case Study

Focus on a particular individual, small group, or phenomenon over time

Characteristic of Case Study

Produces rich, in-depth descriptions of the phenomenon

Reason for Case Study

Investigates sensitive phenomena that could not otherwise be studied

Reason for Case Study

Stimulates new research or challenges existing theories

Naturalistic Observation

Data collected in the participant’s natural environment without interference

Characteristic of Naturalistic Observation

Occurs in participants’ natural setting

Characteristic of Naturalistic Observation

Researcher avoids interference to maintain natural behavior

Reason for Naturalistic Observation

High ecological validity

Reason for Naturalistic Observation

Useful when experimental manipulation is impossible or unethical

Unstructured Interview

Non-directive interview with no pre-arranged questions

Characteristic of Unstructured Interview

Questions are open and informal

Characteristic of Unstructured Interview

Conversation is free-flowing and probing

Reason for Unstructured Interview

Produces rich, nuanced data in participant’s own words

Reason for Unstructured Interview

Allows researcher flexibility and creativity

Semi-Structured Interview

Interview with a predetermined framework but flexible questions

Characteristic of Semi-Structured Interview

Themes guide the interview, not fixed questions

Characteristic of Semi-Structured Interview

Order and wording of questions can be adapted

Reason for Semi-Structured Interview

Allows “primal telling” while maintaining structure

Reason for Semi-Structured Interview

Reduces researcher bias compared to unstructured interviews

Focus Group

Small group interview of 6-10 participants with shared characteristics

Characteristic of Focus Group

Group members share salient traits relevant to research

Characteristic of Focus Group

Researcher acts as facilitator to monitor discussion

Reason for Focus Group

Collects data from several participants quickly

Reason for Focus Group

Explores knowledge, experience, and cultural norms

Experiment

Researcher manipulates IV to measure effect on DV under controlled conditions

Characteristic of Experiment

High control over extraneous variables

Characteristic of Experiment

Usually includes a control group

Reason for Experiment

Can infer cause and effect

Reason for Experiment

Standardized procedures allow replication

Field Experiment

Experiment in a natural environment with manipulation of IV

Characteristic of Field Experiment

Occurs in natural settings, less control over variables

Characteristic of Field Experiment

Participants often unaware they are in a study

Reason for Field Experiment

Higher ecological validity

Reason for Field Experiment

Reduces demand characteristics

Quasi-Experiment

Participants grouped by pre-existing characteristics rather than random allocation

Characteristic of Quasi-Experiment

No random allocation, groups based on characteristics

Characteristic of Quasi-Experiment

Can occur in natural or controlled settings

Reason for Quasi-Experiment

Allows study of variables that cannot be manipulated

Reason for Quasi-Experiment

Provides higher ecological validity than lab experiments

Natural Experiment

Study of variables determined by nature or external events

Characteristic of Natural Experiment

Occurs in natural settings

Characteristic of Natural Experiment

Variables not manipulated, so causality is unclear

Reason for Natural Experiment

Higher ecological validity

Reason for Natural Experiment

Can study variables otherwise impossible to manipulate

Correlational Research

Investigates relationships between variables without manipulation

Characteristic of Correlational Research

Focus on co-variables, not IV/DV

Characteristic of Correlational Research

Correlations can be positive, negative, or zero

Reason for Correlational Research

Can study variables that cannot be manipulated

Reason for Correlational Research

Identifies relationships for further experimental research

Survey

Research method gathering data from participants via questions

Characteristic of Survey

Closed-ended questions or Likert scales

Characteristic of Survey

Efficient for large sample sizes

Reason for Survey

Quick collection of large amounts of data

Reason for Survey

Identifies patterns before more in-depth research

Random Sampling

Every member of target population has equal chance of selection

Characteristic of Random Sampling

Reduces sampling bias, represents target population

Characteristic of Random Sampling

Can be difficult and resource-intensive to implement

Convenience/Opportunity Sampling

Selecting participants who are available and willing

Characteristic of Convenience Sampling

Quick and easy to use

Characteristic of Convenience Sampling

Not representative of target population

Volunteer Sampling

Participants self-select to participate

Characteristic of Volunteer Sampling

Participants likely motivated/interested

Characteristic of Volunteer Sampling

Sample may be unrepresentative

Purposive Sampling

Participants chosen for specific characteristics relevant to research

Characteristic of Purposive Sampling

Sample shares salient traits

Characteristic of Purposive Sampling

Limited generalizability beyond selected traits

Snowball Sampling

Existing participants recruit new participants from their network

Characteristic of Snowball Sampling

Targets niche populations

Characteristic of Snowball Sampling

Difficult to maintain confidentiality and generalizability

Ethical Consideration

Guidelines ensuring research is morally conducted

Right to Withdraw

Participants can leave study or remove data at any time

Anonymity/Confidentiality

Participants’ identities and data are protected

Protection from Harm

Participants not exposed to psychological or physical harm

Informed Consent

Participants are informed about the study and agree voluntarily

Deception

Misleading participants avoided unless necessary, fully debriefed later

Debriefing

Explaining the study and resolving misconceptions post-participation

Social Implications

Considering societal consequences when reporting findings

Continued Anonymity/Confidentiality

Maintaining privacy when publishing results

Continued Protection of Participants

Ensuring no harm from reporting findings

Avoidance of Deception

Participants should not discover deception in reports

Generalization

Extending quantitative findings to wider populations

Transferability

Extending qualitative findings to other contexts or settings

Population Validity

Sample accurately represents population

Ecological Validity

Findings apply to real-life situations

Construct Validity

Test measures what it claims

Credibility

Trustworthiness of study findings, including reliability and validity

Researcher Bias

Influence of researcher’s expectations or preferences on findings