Research methods

True experiment (quantitative)

• done in a controlled environment

• random allocation

• IV manipulated

• causality can be established

• low ecological validity

Field experiment (quantitative)

• real-life setting

• no random allocation

• IV manipulated

• less controlled

• causality cannot be established (confounding variables)

• higher ecological validity

Quasi-experiment (quantitative)

• IV not manipulated, it is based on pre-existing characteristics

• no random allocation

• lacks internal validity

Natural experiment (quantitative)

• IV not manipulated, but is naturally occuring

• high ecological validity

• lacks internal validity

Correlational study (quantitative)

• no manipulated variable

• do not seek to establish causality

• have two or more co-variables

Naturalistic observation, participant (qualitative)

• data collected by observer from participants in their natural habitat

• no deliberate manipulation of the setting

• researcher becomes actively involved in the community studied

Naturalistic observation, non participant (qualitative)

• data collected from participants in their natural habitat

• no deliberate manipulation of the setting

• researcher remains separate and does not interact with group

Naturalistic observation, covert (qualitative)

• data collected from participants in their natural habitat

• no deliberate manipulation of the setting

• participants are unaware of the observer (ethical only if study in public)

• behaviour will be less inhibited and unaffected by demand characteristics

Case study (qualitative)

• typically focus on a singular phenomenon within a person, group or organisation

• a detailed case history is collected, including secondary data

• often use data that has been gathered using a variety of techniques

Unstructured interview (qualitative)

• has a clear research objective, includes broad topics for discussion

• flexible style, with the freedom to determine direction of interview based on previous responses

• can be difficult to stay on topic and achieve research objective

Semi-structured interview (qualitative)

• flexible in terms of deviations from question list

• there is a predetermined list of questions, but the order or phrase can be changed

• allows for both open and closed questions, leading to a variety of answers

Focus group (qualitative)

• small group who are interviewed about a topic of common interest

• all members speak and can bond, which helps them speak freely

• researcher must ensure all issues raised are responded to fully

Pros and cons of true experiment

• high internal validity