Research Methods
Research Methods
Research methods are the tools psychologists use to investigate questions and test hypotheses.
The choice of method depends on the research question, the nature of the variables, and practical considerations.
Experiments
True Experiments
- True experiments are characterized by:
- Random assignment of participants to conditions.
- Manipulation of an independent variable (IV).
- Control over extraneous variables.
The Stanford Prison Experiment by Zimbardo et al. (1971) assigned participants to roles of guards or prisoners to study the effects of situational factors on behavior.
Quasi-Experiments
- Quasi-experiments lack random assignment and focus on naturally occuring variables, so there is no manipulation of the independent variable.
Studies comparing brain activity in patients with and without a disorder.
Strengths: Ethically feasible when random assignment is impossible.
Limitations: Lower internal validity due to potential confounding variables.
Observations
- Observational methods involve systematic recording of behavior.
Types of Observations
- Naturalistic vs. Controlled:
- Naturalistic observations occur in real-world settings.
- Controlled observations take place in structured environments.
- Overt vs. Covert:
- Overt observations are known to participants.
- Covert observations are hidden from participants.
- Participant vs. Non-Participant:
- Participant observers engage with the group.
- Non-participant observers from an external viewpoint.
Festinger et al. (1956) conducted a covert participant observation of a doomsday cult to study cognitive dissonance.
Strengths
- High ecological validity in naturalistic settings
- Rich qualitative data.
Limitations
- Observer bias
- Ethical issues in covert and naturalistic observations.
- The hawthorne effect may also play a role in overt observations, where participants act differently simply because they are being observed
Surveys and Questionnaires
- Surveys and questionnaires are self-report methods used to gather data from large samples.
The World Values Survey collects data on cultural values across countries.
Strengths
- Cost-effective
- Allows for large, diverse samples.
Limitations
- Social desirability bias
- Sampling bias may affect representativeness.
- Response bias.
Interviews
- Interviews provide in-depth qualitative data.
Types of Interviews
- Structured Interviews: Fixed questions and order.
- Semi-Structured Interviews: Flexible questions, allowing follow-ups.
- Focus Groups: Group discussions guided by a moderator.
Strengths
- Rich, detailed data
- Structured: Easy to compare answers due to standardized questioning.
- Semi-structured: Flexible and easy to follow up on ambiguities.
- Focus groups: Gathers various perspectives and participants can elaborate on each other's points.
Limitations
- Interviewer bias
- Time-consuming to analyze.
- Structured: Impossible to follow up on ambiguities.
- Semi-structured: More difficult to compare answers.
- Focus groups: One participant may be answering too much leading to a lack of depth from other participants.
Correlational Studies
- Correlational studies examine the relationship between two variables without manipulating them.
Studies linking stress levels to health outcomes.
Strengths
- Useful for studying variables that cannot be manipulated.
- Easy to conduct.
Limitations
- Cannot establish causality.
- Third-variable problems may arise.
Case Studies
- Case studies involve an in-depth analysis of a single individual or group.
The case of Phineas Gage provided insights into the role of the frontal lobe in personality.
Strengths
- Rich, detailed data
- High ecological validity.
Limitations
- Low generalizability.
- Potential for researcher bias.
Impact of Research Methods on Interpretation
- The choice of research method influences how results are interpreted.
Experimental studies allow for causal conclusions, while correlational studies do not.
Researchers must consider the strengths and limitations of each method when drawing conclusions.
- What are the key differences between true experiments and quasi-experiments?
- How do naturalistic and controlled observations differ in terms of ecological validity?
- Why can't correlational studies establish causality?
