0.05 Research Basics: Non-Experimental Methods

Hypothesis

a testable prediction of how our world will behave if our prediction is correct

Deductive Reasoning

start with a generalization of the world, then use observation to determine if hypothesis is correct

Inductive reasoning

uses empirical observations to construct a generalization

Theory

a well developed set of ideas that proposes an explanation for an observation phenomena

case study (+ drawback)

study of one or a few individuals extensively (Major drawback: not applicable to large populations because usually these individuals have unique conditions)

naturalistic observation (+ what are its benefits)

the study of an individual in its natural environment/context (Major benefits: researcher remains inconspicuous—out of sight—as to not affect results and minimizes opportunity for subject to be dishonest about their behaviors. Also can be conducted with humans/animals alike)

observer bias

can happen with naturalistic observations, which are hard to set up. Affects the observer, who may manipulate results to fit their desired results

cross-sectional research (benefits + limitations)

compares multiple sections of the population at the same time

• useful for seeing differences across different sections of the population

• shorter time commitment

• LIMITATIONS: can be affected by differences already in the population

longitudinal research (benefits + limitations)

tests the same sample group over a long period of time to determine changes

• more accurate

• longer time commitment, so it might be harder to conduct

____________ involves observing behavior in individuals in their natural environments

naturalistic observation

A major limitation of case studies is ____________.

the inability to generalize the findings of this approach to the larger population

The benefit of naturalistic observation studies is ____________.

the honesty of the data that is collected in a realistic setting

Using existing records to try to answer a research question is known as a ____________.

archival research