Research Types (psych)

Experimental method

Manipulation/selection of IV in controlled conditions to observe the effect on the DV

Experimental strength/limits

- More control over the whole situation

- addresses causality

~ Doesn't reflect on real-world events

~ Uncontrolled variables

~ Participation bias

Non-Experimental method

Describe phenomena as qualitative or quantitative

Non-Experimental strength/weakness

- Identifies association

~ Can't establish cause and effect

Observational method

researchers collect observations of natural, ongoing behaviour.

Observational strength/weakness

- all factors that influence behaviour are present

- applicability to 'real world' questions

~ Researcher-participant bias

~ Privacy issues

~ Inability to establish causality.

Case study method

Investigation of a small group/ individual that may have highly unusual trait

Case study strength/weakness

- Documented phenomena is useful

- Lead to hypothesis and questions for further research

~ retrospective bias

~ limited generalisability/ small sample size

Correlational method

Measure relatedness of 2 variables and attempt to predict value of one based on another and examine relationship of them without manipulating either.

Correlational strength/weakness

- Provides an index strength of the relationship between the variables

- Can be used to predict the future

~ No manipulation of IV

~ Cannot establish cause and effect.

Longitudinal method

Study of same individuals or group over a long period to observe changes over time.

Longitudinal strength/weakness

- Tracks development and change

- Reduces cohort effects

- Allows for cause and effect analysis

~ Participant attrition (leaving)

~ Time consuming and expensive

~ Cross-generational changes

Cross section method

Study of different groups of people at one time to compare similarities and differences.

Cross section strength/weakness

- Quick and cost effective

- Allows for comparison

- Minimises attrition

~ Cohort effects (generational experiences)

~ Can't establish causation.