Research Methods Quiz

A laboratory experiment is conducted in a controlled environment where the researcher manipulates the independent variable (IV) and controls extraneous variables. In contrast, a field experiment is conducted in a natural setting where the researcher still manipulates the IV, but the environment is less controlled.

A natural experiment involves an independent variable that occurs naturally (e.g., a natural disaster) and is not manipulated by the researcher. A quasi-experiment, on the other hand, involves the researcher manipulating an independent variable but without random assignment to conditions, often because the groups being studied already exist (e.g., age or gender groups).

The purpose of covert observation is to observe participants without their knowledge to reduce the possibility of demand characteristics, where participants alter their behaviour because they are aware they are being observed.

A structured interview involves a set list of predetermined questions that are asked in the same order to all participants. In contrast, an unstructured interview is more flexible and informal, allowing the interviewer to ask open-ended questions based on the responses of the participant.

A correlation coefficient of +0.80 indicates a strong positive correlation between the two variables, meaning that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well.

The experimental method involves manipulating an independent variable (IV) to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV). The key features of an experiment include:

Control: Researchers control extraneous variables to ensure the IV is the only factor affecting the DV.

Random assignment: In many experiments, participants are randomly assigned to different conditions to control for bias.

Replicability: Experiments should be repeatable to ensure findings are reliable. There are two main types of experiments: laboratory experiments, conducted in a controlled setting, and field experiments, which occur in natural environments.

• A natural experiment occurs when the independent variable is not manipulated by the researcher, but the researcher observes its effect in a natural setting. For example, studying the effects of a natural disaster (e.g., an earthquake) on mental health.
• A quasi-experiment involves the researcher manipulating the independent variable, but there is no random assignment of participants. This often involves studying naturally occurring groups, such as comparing the academic performance of children in different schools.

Strengths:

• High ecological validity: Observations often take place in natural settings, so behaviour tends to be more authentic and generalisable to real-life situations.
• Useful for studying non-verbal behaviour: Observations can capture behaviours that may be difficult to measure using self-report techniques.

Limitations:

• Observer bias: The researcher’s expectations can influence their interpretation of behaviour, reducing objectivity.
• Ethical concerns: In covert observation, participants may not be aware they are being observed, raising ethical issues regarding consent and privacy.

Advantages:

• Quick and cost-effective: Large amounts of data can be gathered from many participants in a short time.
• Standardisation: The same set of questions is given to all participants, making it easy to compare responses.

Disadvantages:

• Response bias: Participants may provide socially desirable answers or may not take the questions seriously, reducing the validity of the responses.
• Limited depth: Closed-ended questions may limit the depth of responses, and open-ended questions may lead to difficulty in analysis.

Content analysis is a method used to analyse qualitative data, such as written or spoken material, by systematically categorising and quantifying specific themes, words, or phrases. It involves breaking down the content into manageable units and identifying patterns or frequencies of certain themes. Content analysis is used in psychology to examine media, interviews, or any text-based data to identify recurring themes or behaviours, such as analysing how different newspapers portray certain psychological conditions.

• Naturalistic Observation: This takes place in a real-world environment where the researcher does not intervene. It captures spontaneous, natural behaviour. It is high in ecological validity but may be difficult to control extraneous variables.
• Controlled Observation: This occurs in a more structured environment, such as a lab, where the researcher controls some variables to ensure that only the variable of interest is being observed. It allows for greater control but may lack ecological validity due to the artificial nature of the setting.

• Overt Observation: The participants are aware that they are being observed, which can lead to demand characteristics where participants change their behaviour because they know they are being studied. However, overt observation is ethical since informed consent is given.
• Covert Observation: The participants are unaware that they are being observed, reducing the risk of demand characteristics. However, this raises ethical concerns regarding consent and privacy, as participants are not aware they are part of the research.

Strengths:

• Cost-effective and time-efficient: Self-report methods like questionnaires and interviews can collect data quickly from a large number of participants.
• Access to private thoughts and feelings: These methods allow participants to express their personal experiences, which may not be visible through observational techniques.

Weaknesses:

• Social desirability bias: Participants may give responses that they believe are more socially acceptable rather than their true feelings, reducing validity.
• Response bias: In questionnaires, participants may not take the time to answer questions thoughtfully, leading to inaccurate data.

• Correlation research measures the relationship between two variables, known as co-variables, without manipulating them. It shows whether a relationship exists (positive, negative, or no correlation) but does not establish causality.
• Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable (IV) to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV). Experiments can establish causal relationships because the researcher controls extraneous variables and manipulates the IV.

Case studies involve an in-depth, detailed examination of a single individual or a small group of individuals, often over a long period of time. They are particularly useful for studying rare or unusual phenomena, such as brain injuries or unique psychological disorders. Case studies provide rich qualitative data and can lead to valuable insights. However, they are often criticised for lacking generalisability and for the researcher’s potential bias in interpreting the data.