Research Methods: TechniquesFlashcards - AQA Psychology

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Research Methods: Techniques

A-Level AQA Psychology

This flashcard pack covers various research methods and their evaluations in psychology. It includes descriptions of experimental designs such as laboratory, field, natural, and quasi experiments, along with observational techniques such as naturalistic, controlled, covert, overt, participant, and non-participant observations. It also explains self-report techniques, interviews, correlational studies, content analysis, and case studies, addressing the strengths, weaknesses, and biases associated with each method.

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"Describe a laboratory experiment in research methods."	"A laboratory experiment is conducted in a highly controlled environment. The independent variable (IV) is manipulated to see the impact on the dependent variable (DV), while the effects of other variables are minimized as far as possible. It has high internal validity and reliability but may lack external validity due to its artificial nature."
"What are the advantages and disadvantages of field experiments?"	"Field experiments have higher external validity and less demand characteristics as they are conducted in a more natural setting. However, they have less control over extraneous variables, making it harder to determine if the IV has affected the DV. They also raise ethical issues if participants are unaware they are being studied."
"Define a natural experiment in research methods."	"A natural experiment studies the effects of a naturally occurring independent variable. Participants may still be studied in a lab-type setting to see the effects, but the IV is not manipulated by the researcher. It has high external validity but less control over extraneous variables."
"What is a quasi experiment in research methods?"	"A quasi experiment is where the independent variable is based on an existing difference between people. It can be tested under controlled conditions, increasing the scientific credibility of the research. However, participants can't be randomly allocated to conditions, introducing possible confounding variables."
"What are observational techniques in research methods?"	"Observational techniques involve watching and recording people’s behaviour in a natural setting. They are often used in field experiments and natural experiments."
"Describe naturalistic and controlled observations."	"Naturalistic observations take place within a natural, non-manipulated environment, such as a workplace or school. Controlled observations are more manipulated, like the Strange Situation, so that variables are more controlled and effects of particular situations can be seen."
"What are the evaluations of naturalistic and controlled observations?"	"Naturalistic observations are high in external validity as they are very true-to-life, but have lower levels of control. Controlled observations have lower external validity, but more control, allowing for easier replication."
"Define covert and overt observations."	"Covert observations take place without the participants being aware that they are being watched. Overt observations are when the participant does know they are being watched, and have given prior consent."
"What are the evaluations of covert and overt observations?"	"Covert observations have no participant reactivity, so more truthful behaviour is shown, but there are ethical issues due to lack of consent. Overt observations may result in participants changing their behaviour, but they are more ethically sound."
"Describe participant and non-participant observations."	"Participant observations are when the researcher themselves takes part, for example by joining the workforce in a workplace. Non-participant observations are when the researcher does not actually participate, but just observes."
"What are the evaluations of participant and non-participant observations?"	"In participant observations, the researcher gets a greater insight into the experiences of those being observed, but they may lose objectivity. In non-participant observations, the researcher is more likely to remain objective, but may lack the extra insight gained from being a participant."
"What are self-report techniques?"	"Self-report techniques involve asking people about their behaviour. These can include questionnaires, which are sets of questions which participants complete independently."
"What are the advantages of using questionnaires in research?"	"Questionnaires can be sent to potentially thousands of people, without the researcher needing to be present whilst they are completed. The responses will usually be easy to analyse, especially if the questions are closed."
"Describe the concept of social desirability bias."	"Social desirability bias refers to the tendency of respondents to not be truthful in order to present themselves in a better light. For example, underestimating the amount of alcohol they drink."
"Define response bias and give an example."	"Response bias refers to the tendency of respondents to answer all questions in a similar way without properly reading the questions. An example is ticking 'yes' for everything."
"What is acquiescence bias?"	"Acquiescence bias is a tendency to agree with things, meaning that the questionnaire is measuring a tendency to agree rather than what it is intending to measure."
"Explain the difference between structured and unstructured interviews."	"Structured interviews involve a set of pre-determined questions that the interviewer does not deviate from. Unstructured interviews, on the other hand, allow the interviewer to create questions in response to the participant's answers during the interview."
"What is a correlation in research methods?"	"A correlation measures the relationship between two variables, and the strength of that relationship. They can be positive, negative, or non-existent."
"How do correlations differ from experiments?"	"In an experiment, the researcher manipulates an independent variable, controls all other variables, and records the effect on the dependent variable. In a correlation, there is no manipulation of either variable- they are known as co-variables. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that one co-variable has caused the other to change, just that there is a correlation between them."
"What are the benefits of using correlations in research?"	"Correlations can be used as a starting point for further research. If no relationship is found, then there is no need to undertake experiments into the subject. They are also quite easy to conduct- the researcher just needs to find two sets of data to compare."
"Describe the potential issue with correlational studies and their findings."	"The findings of correlational studies are often reported as facts, leading to misinterpretations. This is because demonstrating a cause-effect link is not possible, as other variables might be involved."
"Define Content Analysis as a research method."	"Content Analysis is a type of observational research in which something that has been produced (such as newspaper articles and television adverts) is studied. The aim is to analyse the communication in order to detect trends and make conclusions."
"What are the strengths and weaknesses of Content Analysis?"	"Strengths of Content Analysis include high external validity, as what is being analysed is the material that people consume in ‘real life’. It allows for the investigation of potentially sensitive topics, without the need for consent, as the material is in the public domain. However, it may not take into account the motivations of the people that created the content in the first place, potentially weakening the validity of conclusions that can be drawn."
"Define a Case Study as a research method."	"A case study is an in-depth investigation, usually of one person or a small group of people. Individuals studied may have particular conditions or unusual characteristics. Case studies often produce qualitative data, as unstructured interviews and observations may be used."
"What are the strengths and weaknesses of Case Studies?"	"Case studies produce rich, detailed, in-depth data, giving a close insight into particular behaviours. However, it can be difficult to generalise the findings from case studies, as the sample sizes are so small. Data is often collected retrospectively, so relies on the recall of the participant or their friends or family members, which may be inaccurate."

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