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Research Methods in Psychology Various research methods in psychology are used to test different theories and obtain results. Psychological research follows either a quantitative or qualitative research method. The most appropriate research method is chosen depending on the research objective. Research methods and statistics in psychologyLet us look at types of research methods in psychology and some examples. The types of research in psychology can be divided into two main categories: 1) quantitative and 2) qualitative. Quantitative researchQuantitative research uses mathematical modelling and statistical estimation or inference to describe variables, predict findings, and explore potential correlations and causality between variables. Imagine a researcher would like to investigate the effects of learning through StudySmarter. There are two groups: group A is given access to StudySmarter as their revision medium, and group B continues with traditional textbook revision. After a month, the academic performance of the participants is measured and the statistics are compared.
Qualitative researchQualitative research uses non-numerical data such as text, audio, and video, which investigates and attempts to understand or interpret various phenomena such as societal or individual perceptions and actions. Compared to quantitative research, the aim is to focus on the human condition and the language they use, rather than statistical differences. Interviews and focus groups are key tools in qualitative research.
Types of research methods in psychologyThere are distinct approaches employed in psychological research under each of the two main categories. While this is not an extensive list, it highlights five of the most common strategies used in psychological research. These are the experimental methods, observational techniques, self-report techniques, correlational studies, and case studies. Experimental methodsThe experimental method is a procedure carried out to support or reject a hypothesis. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular variable is manipulated. Experimental studies are classified as quantitative research. There are mainly four types of experiments in psychology:
Each type of experiment has strengths and limitations. Observational techniquesObservational techniques are used when a researcher observes how people behave and act in order to learn more about their ideas, actions, and beliefs. Observation studies are mostly categorised as qualitative in nature. However, they may also be quantitative or both (mixed-methods). The two main observation techniques are:
Observations can also be overt and covert, naturalistic and controlled. Self-report techniquesSelf-report techniques refer to data collection approaches in which participants report information about themselves without interference from the experimenter. Ultimately, such methods require respondents to give responses to a set of pre-set questions. Thus, self-report techniques can provide researchers with both quantitative and qualitative data, depending on the set-up of questions. Self-report techniques can include Self-report techniques can include
Content analysis is a technique for analysing qualitative data. The researcher will code their data to look for common patterns and themes. They can then analyse and draw conclusions from the patterns and themes they find. Content analysis converts non-numerical data into different categories to make it easy to analyse. This technique is applied to qualitative data such as interview transcripts, videotapes, and audio recordings. The coding standard can vary largely depending on the data used. Correlational studiesCorrelational Studies measure the strength and direction of a statistical relationship between two co-variables. Correlational studies are quantitative in nature, and the findings are displayed in scattergrams. There are two types of correlations that the researcher may observe. These are: Positive correlations (where one variable increases as the other variable increases) How do umbrella sales increase as the rainy weather increases? Negative correlations (where one variable increases as the other decreases) How do hot chocolate sales increase as the temperature decreases? Case studiesCase studies belong to a qualitative research methodology. Case studies entail an in-depth investigation of persons, groups, communities, or events. They frequently employ a multi-methodological approach that includes participant interviews as well as unobtrusive observations. Case studies in psychology are conducted on targeted participants. A psychology case study typically gathers critical and influential biographical moments from a patient's past, and salient details in the individual's daily life that may drive the development of particular behaviours or thinking. A famous psychological case study is H.M. From his case study we learned the effect of hippocampal damage on memory. Research Methods in Psychology - Key takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions about Research Methods in PsychologyExperimental methods, observational techniques, self-report techniques, correlational studies and case studies are five of the most common methodologies in psychological research. Research methods in psychology refer to the various methods of testing different theories and obtaining results. We can divide the types of research in psychology into two main categories: 1) quantitative and 2) qualitative. Final Research Methods in Psychology Quiz
Question What is an experimental design? Show answer Answer Experimental design is a method used to allocate participants to different groups/ conditions of an experiment. Show question
Question What are four examples of experimental designs? Show answer Answer The four experimental designs are independent measures, repeated measures, matched-pairs, and quasi-experimental designs. Show question
Question What is an independent measures design? Show answer Answer The independent measures design is an experimental design in which different participants are used to test each condition of the independent variable. Show question
Question What is a repeated measures design? Show answer Answer A repeated measures design is when participants are assessed in all of the independent variable levels. Therefore, data obtained for each condition of the independent variable are taken from the same participants. Show question
Question What is a matched-pairs design? Show answer Answer Matched pairs design is when participants are paired in terms of specific characteristics such as age, ethnicity, or education level. Each individual of the matched pair is randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. Show question
Question What is a quasi-experimental design? Show answer Answer This method involves different participants being tested on each independent variable level. This is usually used in psychology research to determine the effectiveness of pre-existing treatment/interventions. As a result, participants allocation into experimental and control groups is fixed. Show question
Question For the following research scenario, ‘an investigation to identify if Clozapine (medication) is an effective drug to minimise symptoms of schizophrenia’, which experimental design would be appropriate to use and why? Show answer Answer A quasi-experimental design would be appropriate because it can compare schizophrenia patients taking Clozapine (experimental group) and patients with schizophrenia using a different drug. This allows the researcher to identify if Clozapine or another drug is better at minimising symptoms of schizophrenia in the recruited sample. This design is required, as ethically, researchers cannot change patients medication because it may cause physical and/or psychological harm to participants. Show question
Question How do independent group designs and quasi-experimental designs differ? Show answer Answer Independent measures design and quasi-experimental designs are similar experimental designs. However, they differ in terms of sampling methods. For instance, independent group designs use random sampling, whereas group allocation is fixed in quasi-experimental designs. Show question
Question What is an advantage of using a repeated measure design over using independent measures experimental design? Show answer Answer An advantage of using a repeated measures design instead of an independent design is that it is a more statistically robust design, accounting for individual differences. This can increase the reliability and validity of findings. Show question
Question What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a matched-pairs experimental design? Show answer Answer The advantage of using a matched-pairs design is that it accounts for individual differences as participants are matched according to key characteristics such as age, ethnicity. This limits confounding variables, and this design is not affected by order effects. This design also uses random sampling techniques, increasing the reliability and validity of results. However, the disadvantages are that it is challenging to match participants, and the recruitment of participants can be time-consuming. Show question
Question What is counterbalancing and its purpose? Show answer Answer Counterbalancing is when the researcher changes the order that measures are presented to participants to reduce order effects. Order effects are when the order of measures presented influences participants performance. There are different order effects, such as the fatigue effect and practice effect. These can lower the validity of findings if they have not been combated with counterbalancing techniques. Show question
Question Which research designs have random sampling implications? Show answer Answer Independent measures and quasi-experimental designs cannot use random sampling techniques. Show question
Question According to the scientific process, what should a hypothesis be? Show answer Answer Hypotheses need to be predictive, falsifiable, and verifiable statements. Show question
Question Why is the scientific process also called the hypothetico-deductive model? Show answer Answer The scientific process involves the following stages for empirical research: forming a hypothesis, using inductive methods and deducing supporting or negating evidence using experimental techniques. Show question
Question What inductive method do we use to form research questions? Show answer Answer Accumulation of observations of natural phenomena to comprise a theory/principle. Show question
Question Write a directional hypothesis based upon the research question 'Does sleep affect memory performance?'. Show answer Answer The 'sleep-deprived' individuals will have lower memory scores than those with 'normal sleep'. Show question
Question Describe a method that will provide empirical data that tests whether sleep affects performance in memory tasks. Show answer Answer The study could randomly assign participants to two groups: the 'sleep-deprived' and the 'regular sleep' group. The two groups could then carry out a memory task and the study would then analyse and compare the scores. Show question
Question What should be done if data negates the hypothesis proposed? Show answer Answer The researcher should report the data following APA guidelines, revise the hypothesis, and repeat the scientific method. Show question
Question Why do we need the scientific process? Show answer Answer The process provides an empirical, standardised method for producing research that increases the reliability and validity of the results. Show question
Answer An interview in psychological research is a conversation between two people, one of whom asks questions (interviewer) and the other responds to those questions (interviewee). Show question
Question State the three interview types. Show answer Answer Unstructured, semi-structured, and structured interviews. Show question
Question Which interview type uses only close-ended questions? Show answer
Question In the following research scenario, ‘an investigation of young women’s perspective of body changes that’, what could be an appropriate interview type to use and why? Show answer Answer Semi-structured interviews could be an appropriate method to collect data as it allows the researcher to guide the conversation, as interviewees may not be sure what they should talk about. However, as this method is not rigid, they can also openly express their opinion and experiences. Show question
Question What would be an appropriate interview type to use when researching sensitive topics? Show answer Answer Unstructured interviews, as the participant can choose what they wish to talk about and evade topic areas if they are too sensitive. This approach can combat ethical issues raised. Show question
Question What is the definition of open-ended questions? Show answer Answer Open-ended questions are when interviewees respond in-depth and however they choose. Show question
Question What are three examples of methods used to analyse data obtained from interviews? Show answer Answer Statistical analysis, thematic and content analysis. Show question
Question Why does structured use different analysis techniques for semi-structured and unstructured interviews? Show answer Answer Structured interviews collect quantitative data and use statistical analysis, whereas semi-structured and unstructured interviews collect qualitative data and use thematic and content analysis. Show question
Question What are the advantages of using interviews as a data collection method? Show answer Answer The advantages of using interviews as a research method include having a higher response rate than posting questionnaires. Additionally, the interviewer can build a report with the interviewee, so the interviewee may answer more truthfully, increasing the validity of the result. Show question
Question What are the disadvantages of using interviews as a data collection method? Show answer Answer The disadvantages of using interviews are that data collection and analysis requires trained personnel, can be time-consuming and expensive. Moreover, qualitative data is difficult to analyze and argued not to be empirical data. Show question
Question What is meant by observation technique? Show answer Answer Observational techniques is when the researcher (observer) watches how participants behave and how they act to understand more about participants thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Show question
Question What are the different types of observational techniques? Show answer Answer The four types of observational techniques are overt, cover, participant, and non-participant observations. Show question
Question For the following research scenario, what would be the ideal type of observation technique to use: ‘research investigating if prison guards conform to violent behaviour’? Show answer Answer The ideal observation design to use would be covert participant observations. The design would involve the researcher instigating violent behaviour and identifying if other prison guards conform to this behaviour. Show question
Question For the following research scenario, what would be the ideal type of observation technique to use: ‘Research investigating how often bullying occurs in a playground’? Show answer Answer Non-participant, covert observations would be the ideal observation design for this research as, ethically, the researcher cannot participate in it. Also, if children knew they were observing them, they would bully others less. Show question
Question What is the difference between structured and unstructured observations? Show answer Answer Structured observations use coded schedules identified before the investigation to measure the variables investigated. Whereas in unstructured observations, researchers do not have specific instructions of which behaviours they should record. Instead, the researchers record as much data as possible and then determine what behaviours they are interested in. Show question
Question What type of observation design did Mary Ainsworth use in her famous research that investigated attachment styles between mothers and their children? Show answer Answer A structured observation. Show question
Question What is the Hawthorne effect? Show answer Answer The Hawthorne effect is when participants may easily interpret the research hypothesis and act accordingly, reducing the validity of findings. Show question
Question What are the advantages of structured observations? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the disadvantages of structured observations? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the advantages of unstructured observations? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the disadvantages of unstructured observations? Show answer Answer
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Question What are some examples of observational research designs? Show answer Answer Some examples of observational research designs are structured observations, for instance, controlled observations and unstructured observations, such as natural observations. Show question
Answer Collecting data at different intervals of time. Show question
Question What is situation sampling? Show answer Answer Collecting data in different settings and/or situations. Show question
Question What are the different types of methods researchers use to analyse data? Show answer Answer
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Question What are independent variables? Show answer Answer The IV is a factor that the experimenter manipulates to identify if it affects the DV. Show question
Question What are dependent variables? Show answer Answer The DV is a variable/factor measured or being tested in the experiment and allows for inferences to be made of whether it has a causal relationship with the hypothesised IV. Show question
Question How can the experimental research method be used to identify causal relationships between variables? Show answer Answer Causal relationships are identified if changes in the IV have an effect on the DV. Show question
Question What information does operationalisation give about variables? Show answer Answer How the variable is defined and measured. Show question
Question Of the following examples, which one is operationalised? Show answer Answer IV- amount of water (ml) given to a plant & DV- height plant grown (cm). Show question
Question How do confounding variables affect the validity of results? Show answer Answer Confounding variables can cause findings to under or overestimate the independent variable's impact on the DV, reducing the validity of conclusions. Show question Discover the right content for your subjectsNo need to cheat if you have everything you need to succeed! Packed into one app!Study PlanBe perfectly prepared on time with an individual plan. QuizzesTest your knowledge with gamified quizzes. FlashcardsCreate and find flashcards in record time. NotesCreate beautiful notes faster than ever before. Study SetsHave all your study materials in one place. DocumentsUpload unlimited documents and save them online. Study AnalyticsIdentify your study strength and weaknesses. Weekly GoalsSet individual study goals and earn points reaching them. Smart RemindersStop procrastinating with our study reminders. RewardsEarn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. Magic MarkerCreate flashcards in notes completely automatically. Smart FormattingCreate the most beautiful study materials using our templates. Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free. What are the 4 types of experiments in psychology?Experimental Method. Lab Experiment. Lab Experiment. A laboratory experiment is an experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily a laboratory), where accurate measurements are possible. ... . Field Experiment. Field Experiment. ... . Natural Experiment. Natural Experiment.. Which research methods are widely used by psychologists?Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct studies and research in psychology. The basic process of conducting psychology research involves asking a question, designing a study, collecting data, analyzing results, reaching conclusions, and sharing the findings.
What are 3 research methods in psychology?The Three Types of Psychology Research. Causal or Experimental Research.. Descriptive Research.. Relational or Correlational Research.. What are the 5 research methods in psychology?Table of Contents. Method # 1. Observation Method:. Method # 2. Experimental Method or Experimental Observation:. Method # 3. Psychological Experiment:. Method # 4. Variables – Independent – Dependent and Intervening:. Method # 5. Control:. Method # 6. The Case Method:. Method # 7. Survey Method:. |
Which of the following is not a widely used research method in modern experimental Psychology
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