Psychology Research Methods: Case Studies, Surveys, Observations, and Correlations

Case study

an observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Survey

a technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of them.

Naturalistic observation

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Experiments

a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process.

Negative correlation

relationship between two variables in which one is increasing while the other is decreasing (inverse relationship).

Positive correlation

relationship between two variables in which the two variables are moving in the same direction.

Correlation coefficient

mathematical expression of the relationship ranging from -1 to +1.

Scatterplot

a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables.

Replication

repeating the essence of a research study, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.

Metanalysis

a procedure for statistically combining the results of many different research studies.

Observer bias

when we see what we expect to.

Observer effect

the participants act differently because they are being watched.

Laboratory observation

good for behavior that can't be observed in a natural environment easily.

Advantages of laboratory observation

gives more control to researcher.

Disadvantages of laboratory observation

artificial setting means may not reflect behavior in 'real world'.

Generalizability in case studies

low generalizability-can't really be applied to others and usually takes a long time.

Advantages of case studies

lots of detail/information.

Correlation

examines the relationship between two variables, measured with a correlation coefficient ranging from -1.00 to +1.00.

Advantages of correlation studies

Neither variable goes through a manipulation process; the results tend to be more applicable; results are easy to classify.

Disadvantages of correlation studies

Depending on the tools used it can be time consuming and expensive; it won't determine which variables have the most influence.

Meta-analysis advantages

Provides an organized method for handling lots of information; the process is systematic and documented in great detail.

Meta-analysis disadvantages

It can be very time consuming; low quality studies can create limitations in the research.