Psych Paper 3

Unstructured Interview

Interview guided by topics instead of fixed questions.

Focus Groups

Group interview (5–8 people), moderated by a trained researcher.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behaviour in real-world settings without manipulating variables.

Covert Observation

Observation where participants are unaware they are being studied.

Overt Observation

Observation where participants know and consent to being studied.

Participant Observation

The researcher joins the group being studied to gain deeper understanding.

Non-Participant Observation

The researcher remains separate to observe without involvement.

A Priori Coding

Predefined categories are used to organise and analyse data.

Emergent Coding

Categories are developed after observing patterns in the collected data.

Event Sampling

Records data only when specific behaviours occur.

Point Sampling

Records data by observing each individual in turn.

Time Sampling

Records data at regular, pre-set time intervals.

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of a single person, group, or situation.

Representational Generalisation

Applying case study findings to individuals with similar characteristics.

Inferential Generalisation

Applying case study findings to a broader population.

Theoretical Generalisation

Using findings from a study to develop or support a theory.

Data Triangulation

Using different sources of data to increase credibility.

Method Triangulation

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in one study.

Researcher Triangulation

Involving multiple researchers to reduce bias.

Member Checking

Allowing participants to verify and correct the research data.

Acquiescence Bias

The tendency of participants to agree with questions regardless of their opinion.

Ascertainment Bias

When some individuals are more likely to be selected for the sample than others.

Participant Bias

Changes in behaviour due to participants knowing they are being observed.

Inter-Coder Reliability

The consistency of data interpretation between different researchers.