5.7.2 Comparison of Research Methods

• What does the biological approach study?

  How our body and brain influence behavior
• What are the key research methods used in the biological approach?

  • Experiments
  • Brain scans (MRI, fMRI)
  • Twin studies
  • Adoption studies
• What do adoption studies compare to understand behavior influences?

  Adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents
• In what conditions are experiments in the cognitive approach typically conducted?

  In labs with controlled conditions
• How do adoption studies help separate influences on behavior?

  By comparing genetic and environmental influences
• What does the behavioral approach focus on?

  How our actions are shaped by conditioning
• What does the cognitive approach study?

  How we think and process information
• What is a key benefit of using computer models in cognitive research?

  They are useful for complex tasks
• Who pioneered the psychodynamic approach?

  Freud
• How is qualitative data gathered in the psychodynamic approach?

  Through conversations and observations
• What case study did Freud use to understand a child's fears?

  Little Hans
• What are the key research methods in the behavioral approach?

  Experiments, observation, and self-report
• How do computer models contribute to the cognitive approach?

  They create simulations of cognitive processes
• How does the cognitive approach compare to biological and behavioral approaches?

  • Combines experimental rigor
  • Utilizes modern technology
  • Focuses on mental processes
• What does brain imaging reveal during cognitive tasks?

  Which brain areas are involved in thinking
• What do brain scans like MRI or fMRI help researchers see?

  Which brain areas are active during tasks or emotions
• What do surveys and questionnaires gather information about?

  People's social experiences and learning habits
• What concept did Freud explore through the case study of Little Hans?

  Unresolved Oedipal conflicts
• What are the key research methods used in the behavioral approach?

  • Experiments: Test learning through conditioning
  • Observation: Record behaviors in natural settings
  • Self-report: Gather personal experiences via questionnaires and interviews
• How might medication be used in biological experiments?

  To treat mental health issues
• What type of research question does the Social Learning approach ask?

  How observing others influences behavior
• What is the purpose of experiments in the cognitive approach?

  To test specific cognitive processes
• What are the key research methods used in the cognitive approach?

  1. Experiments
  2. Computer Models
  3. Brain Imaging
• What technologies are used in brain imaging?

  fMRI and EEG
• What is self-report in the context of the behavioral approach?

  Using questionnaires and interviews to gather personal data
• What is the key focus of the Behavioral approach?

  Learned behaviors
• What are the strengths and limitations of the Psychodynamic approach in psychology?

  Strengths:

  • Offers rich insight through in-depth interviews

  Limitations:

  • Subjective and lacks empirical evidence
• How might a therapist use an unstructured interview in practice?

  To help a client explore feelings about self-esteem
• What is a key feature of nonprobability sampling?

  Participants are selected based on specific criteria
• Why is it important to consider multiple approaches in psychology?

  To get a comprehensive understanding of human behavior
• What type of research question does the Humanistic approach ask?

  How personal experiences drive growth and self-actualization
• How do modeling, vicarious reinforcement, and cognitive processes influence behavior?

  • Modeling: Imitating observed behaviors
  • Vicarious reinforcement: Learning through others' rewards
  • Cognitive processes: Mental activities affecting learning
• What is the relationship between data collection methods and psychological approaches?

  • Each approach uses methods that best address its core questions and focus.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of nonprobability sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Difficult to gain access or locate population elements
  • Population is highly scattered
  • Limited time, money, etc.
  • Sampling frame is not available

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Weakness in the nature of the population (heterogeneous)
  • Qualitative research design used
  • Important to use easy operational procedures
  • Very small sample size targeted
• What are the strengths and limitations of the Humanistic approach in psychology?

  Strengths:

  • Respects individual experiences through qualitative data

  Limitations:

  • Lacks empirical support
• What is the key focus of the Social Learning approach?

  Social interactions
• What does the humanistic approach emphasize?

  Individual experience and potential for growth
• What is the purpose of the sampling in nonprobability sampling?

  To provide illustrative example
• How does the behavioral approach differ from the biological approach?

  It relies on experiments and observation, not brain scans
• How does each psychological approach collect data?

  • Biological: Brain scans, blood samples
  • Psychodynamic: Case studies, interviews
  • Behavioral: Experiments, observation
  • Cognitive: Experiments, computer models
  • Social Learning: Experiments, surveys
  • Humanistic: Unstructured interviews