Research methods: Key terms

• Case studies


  Detailed studies of a particular person(s) or event, usually yielding a large amount of information
• Content analysis


  A research tool used to determine the presence of certain words,

  themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data
• Controlled observation


  A type of observation where participants are observed in a lab,

  increasing control and reliability but decreasing ecological validity.
• Correlation


  The extent to which two variables are associated.
• Covert observation


  A type of observation where the observer is hidden and therefore participants do not know they are being observed. While this does reduce demand characteristics, it can raise ethical issues around consent.
• Experiment


  A type of investigation wherein a hypothesis is tested by manipulation of an independent variable, in order to view its effect on the dependent variable.
• Field experiment


  A type of experiment that is conducted in a real life setting, which reduces the amount of control over extraneous variables, however the ecological validity is improved
• Interviews


  A self-report technique wherein participants are asked questions by an interviewer, which allows for flexibility in the information gathered
• Laboratory experiment


  A type of experiment that is conducted in a highly controlled environment, allowing control over extraneous variables at the expense of ecological validity.
• Natural experiment


  A type of experiment in which an independent variable that already exists is tested in its natural environment, greatly reducing the control of extraneous variables. This type of experiment allows for investigation of variables that cannot ethically be created.
• Naturalistic observation


  A type of observation where participants are observed in their natural environment, increasing ecological validity but decreasing the amount of control over extraneous variables.
• Non-participant observation


  A type of observation where the observer does not join the group under observation. This allows for higher objectivity but reduces the insight that could be achieved with a participant observation.
• Observation


  A type of data collection wherein participants’ behaviour is observed
• Overt observation


  A type of observation where the participants know they are under observation. This preserves informed consent but may increase demand characteristics
• Participant observation


  A type of observation where the observer joins the group under observation. This form of observation yields highly valuable qualitative information with insight, but can reduce the objectivity of the researcher.
• Quasi experiment


  A type of experiment where participants cannot be randomly assigned to either condition of the independent variable as it exists naturally
• Questionnaires


  A self-report technique wherein participants answer pre-decided questions, in the form of paper or electronically. This form of self-report allows for anonymity
• Structured interviews


  A form of interview where questions are pre-set beforehand, with no flexibility. Usually, these consist of closed questions, and allows for a high level of replicability.
• Unstructured interviews


  A form of interview wherein questions may be set beforehand, but

  the interviewer is allowed flexibility in the form of a natural conversation