Psych HL - 2.2, Quantitative methods

Lab Experiment strengths

Variables are manipulated by researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship; numerical data is generated, and it is highly controlled.

• Clear cause-and-effect relationship

• Allows for replication and testing of experimental conditions.

Field Experiment strengths

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting, allowing researchers to observe behavior in real-life contexts while still manipulating variables.

• Higher EV

• Participant behavior is more natural and spontaneous

Quasi Experiment strengths

Participants are grouped based on a pre-existing characteristic of interest and are therefore not randomly assigned.

• Useful for ethical or practical reasons when random assignment is not possible.

• Allows for the use of a real-world setting

Natural Experiment strengths

Naturally occurring experiment where no variables are manipulated as they are already present to study.

• Allows for the use of a real-world setting, high EV

• Can answer questions that require this setting

Correlation strengths

Establishes a relationship between variables without manipulation, therefore analyzing the strength of a relationship and not a cause-and-effect.

• Provides background information for future studies by collecting data efficiently

• Identifies patterns and trends, aiding in predictions.

Survey strengths

A collection of data that comes from a large group of participants, typically through questionnaires.

• Cost-effective and straightforward

• Can reach people in dispersed areas

Lab Experiment limitations

Variables are manipulated by researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship; numerical data is generated, and it is highly controlled.

• Lacks EV in terms of environment

• Lacks EV in terms of participant behavior

Field Experiment limitations

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting, allowing researchers to observe behavior in real-life contexts.

• Less controlled

• May pose ethical issues as deception must be used

Quasi Experiment limitations

Participants are grouped based on a pre-existing characteristic of interest and are therefore not randomly assigned.

• Can have confounding variables affecting results

• Risk of bias when assigning participants to groups

Natural Experiment limitations

Naturally occurring experiment where no variables are manipulated as they are already present to study.

• May pose ethical issues as deception must be used

• Unrepeatable

• Difficult to establish causal relationships

Correlation limitations

Establishes a relationship between variables without manipulation, therefore analyzing the strength of a relationship and not a cause-and-effect.

• Difficult to establish causal relationships

• May be affected by confounding variables

Survey limitations

A collection of data that comes from a large group of participants, typically through questionnaires.

• Risk of bias in sampling participants

• Response bias due to self-reporting systems

• Limited depth in responses.