Non-experimental methods - key vocab

Case Studies

An in‑depth investigation of one person or small group, often combining interviews, observations, and psychological tests

Content Analysis

A systematic technique for analysing qualitative material by categorising and counting words, themes, or behaviours into quantitative data

Thematic Analysis

A qualitative method involving identifying, analysing, and interpreting recurring themes or patterns within interview transcripts or texts.

Coding

The process of organising qualitative data into categories or labels, making it easier to analyse systematically

Qualitative Data

Non‑numerical information describing meanings, experiences, or characteristics, often collected through interviews, open questions, or observations

Quantitative Data

Numerical information that can be measured, counted, and statistically analysed

Observational Techniques

Research methods involving watching and recording behaviour in natural or controlled settings

Naturalistic Observation

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would naturally occur.

Controlled Observation

Watching and recording behaviour within a laboratory environment.

Participant Observation

The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording.

Non-Participant Observation

The researcher remains separate to the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording.

Covert Observation

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Overt Observation

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent

Structured Observation

A systematic method where researchers use a pre-set coding system to record specific behaviours

Unstructured Observation

A flexible method where behaviours are recorded freely without predetermined categories

Behavioural Categories

When a target behaviour is divided into components that are operable and measurable

Inter-Observer Reliability

The degree of agreement between two of more observers recording the same behaviour

Self-Reporting Techniques

Methods in which a person is asked to state or explain their own feelings, opinions, behaviours, or experiences related to a topic

Questionnaires

A set of written questions used to assess a person's thoughts and/or experiences

Interviews

A live encounter where the interviewer asks a set of questions to assess an interviewee's thoughts and/or experiences

Structured Interviews

Interviews in which the questions are preset

Unstructured Interviews

Interviews in which the questions develop as the interview goes along

Semi-Structured Interviews

Interviews in which some questions are preset and some develop naturally

Open Questions

Questions for which there is no fixed choice of response and respondents can answer in any way they wish

Closed Questions

Questions for which there is a fixed choice of responses determined by the question setter

Likert Scale

A scale in which the respondent indicates their agreement with a statement, using a scale of usually five points

Rating Scale

A scale in which the respondents identify a value that represents their strength of feeling about a particular topic