Psychology RESEARCH METHODS

• What is the main focus of research methods in psychology?

  Research methods are how psychologists and scientists come up with and test their theories.
• What types of studies are covered in the A level psychology syllabus?

  • Experiments
  • Observations
  • Self-reporting
  • Case studies
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different psychological research methods?


  Strengths:

  • Different methods suit different studies
  • Provide varied perspectives on research questions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Each method has limitations
  • Results may vary based on the method used
• What does the experimental method in psychology examine?


  The experimental method looks at how variables affect outcomes.
• What is a variable in the context of psychological experiments?


  A variable is anything that changes between two situations.
• What was the focus of Bandura’s Bobo the doll experiment?


  It looked at how changing the role model’s behaviour affected how the child played.
• What are the different experimental designs in psychology?


  • Independent groups: Participants divided into two groups for different variables.
  • Repeated measures: All participants do both variables.
  • Matched pairs: Participants matched on characteristics for comparison.
• What is a laboratory experiment?


  An experiment conducted in an artificial, controlled environment.
• What is a field experiment?


  An experiment carried out in a natural, real-world environment.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory experiments compared to field experiments?


  Strengths:

  • Controlled environment minimizes external variables.
  • Clear causal effects can be identified.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • May lack ecological validity.
  • Participants may exhibit demand characteristics.
• What is a natural experiment?


  An experiment where the variable changes naturally and the researcher studies the effects.
• What is a quasi-experiment?


  An experiment that compares two variables that cannot be changed.
• What does the observational method in psychology examine?


  The observational method looks at and examines behaviour.
• What are behavioral categories in observational studies?

  • Prioritize which behaviours are recorded
  • Ensure consistency among observers
  • Help organize observational data
• What is inter-observer reliability in observational studies?


  It ensures observers code behaviour in the same way to avoid subjective interpretations.
• What are the two types of sampling in observational studies?

  • Event sampling: Counting specific behaviours.
  • Time sampling: Recording behaviours at regular intervals.
• What are the types of observation in psychology?


  • Naturalistic: Observations in real-life settings.
  • Controlled: Observations in artificial settings.
  • Covert: Participants unaware of observation.
  • Overt: Participants aware of observation.
  • Participant: Researcher involved in the situation.
  • Non-participant: Researcher not involved in the situation.
• What is a self-report method in psychology?


  Self-report methods get participants to provide information about themselves.
• What are the types of self-report methods?


  • Questionnaires: Standardized list of questions.
  • Interviews: Questions asked in person.
• What is the difference between closed and open questions in questionnaires?


  Closed questions have fixed responses, while open questions allow free responses.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of questionnaires?


  Strengths:

  • Quantifiable data
  • Easily replicated

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Biased samples
  • Dishonest answers
  • Misunderstanding of questions
  • Less detail compared to interviews
• What is a structured interview?


  A structured interview has standardized and pre-set questions.
• What is an unstructured interview?


  An unstructured interview is less structured and allows for spontaneous discussion.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of interviews?


  Strengths:

  • More detailed information
  • Personal touch encourages openness

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of quantifiable data
  • Interviewer effects may bias responses
• What is a case study?


  A case study is a detailed investigation into an individual, group, or event.
• What is an example of a case study in psychology?


  • A young boy who had the left hemisphere of his brain removed and the effects this had on him.
• What is a potential issue with qualitative data in interviews?


  It may produce difficulties in comparing data between participants.
• How can interviewer effects bias participant responses?


  The interviewer's appearance or character may influence the participant's comfort level.
• What is a case study?


  A detailed investigation into an individual, group, or event.
• What type of data do case studies primarily provide?


  Qualitative data.
• How do researchers gather data in a case study?


  By using methods like observation, questionnaires, and interviews.
• What is the purpose of a case history in a case study?


  To interpret the collected data and draw conclusions.
• What are the two types of case studies mentioned?

  • Typical cases
  • Unusual cases
• What does longitudinal mean in the context of case studies?


  It refers to studies that take place over an extended time period.
• Why might it be unethical to conduct certain experiments on humans?


  Because it could cause harm or distress to participants.
• What is a strength of case studies?


  They provide detailed qualitative data.
• What is a weakness of case studies?


  They lack scientific rigor and may not be valid for the general population.
• What is researcher bias in case studies?


  It refers to the subjective interpretation of data by the researcher.
• What is the aim of a study?


  It describes what the researchers are investigating and why.
• What is a hypothesis?


  A testable prediction of what researchers expect to happen.