0.05 Research Basics: Non-Experimental Methods

Terms

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

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

Study Designs

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

Naturalistic Observation: 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)

Study Methods

Cross-sectional research: 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: tests the same sample group over a long period of time to determine changes

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