Research methods in social psychology

What is quantitative research?

An approach to research aimed at studying the relationships between variables expressed numerically, explored via statistical analysis.

What is qualitative research?

An approach to research based on the interpretation of qualitative data, not statistical analysis of numerical data.

How does quantitative research define 'truth'?

As universal ('big T' truth) that applies to everyone.

How does qualitative research define 'truth'?

As local ('little t' truth) that applies to specific cases.

What are the main stages in the quantitative approach to research?

Research question, theory, hypothesis, and method.

What is a hypothesis in quantitative research?

A testable proposition.

What are the two primary quantitative research methods?

Correlational and experimental.

What is correlational research?

The study of the naturally occurring relationships among variables.

What is random sampling?

A sampling strategy where everyone in the population has an equal chance of being represented.

What is systematic sampling?

A sampling method where members are drawn from a population at fixed intervals.

What is stratified sampling?

A sampling strategy that ensures all features of a population are represented.

What does 'correlation does not imply causation' mean?

It indicates that a correlation between two variables does not mean one causes the other.

What are independent and dependent variables in experimental research?

Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, while dependent variables are expected to change due to the manipulation.

What is random assignment?

The process of assigning participants to conditions in an experiment so that all have the same chance of being in any condition.

What types of data collection methods are used in qualitative research?

Interviews, focus groups, observation, naturally occurring conversation, text, and the Internet.

What are the main features of structured interviews?

Fixed questions asked in the same order, typically with predefined response options.

What is a limitation of structured interviews?

They can lack validity as questions may not reflect participants' experiences.

What is a semi-structured interview?

An interview with key questions that allows flexibility in the order and phrasing to suit participant experiences.

What is a limitation of semi-structured interviews?

They lack reliability due to poor researcher control over the discussion.

What characterizes conversational/unstructured interviews?

They are flexible and participant-driven, focusing on capturing the participant's experience.

What is a limitation of conversational/unstructured interviews?

They have very poor reliability and may not reflect the researcher's interests.

What is the difference in sample sizes between quantitative and qualitative approaches?

Quantitative uses larger sample sizes, while qualitative uses smaller sample sizes.

What type of analysis is used in quantitative research?

Statistics.

What type of analysis is used in qualitative research?

Thematic or content analyses.

What is the focus of quantitative research?

Relations between variables.

What is the focus of qualitative research?

Interpretation of experiences.