Comparison of Research Methods

• What is measured in the experimental method?

  The dependent variable
• What is the purpose of a control group?

  Provides comparison
• What are the characteristics of experimental methods?

  • Manipulation: Researcher changes IV
  • Control Group: No treatment/baseline
  • Random Assignment: Equal chance of being in groups
• How does a correlational study differ from an experimental study?

  No manipulation of variables in correlational study
• What does the image in the study material depict?

  A correlational study
• What level of control does the experimental method have?

  High
• What is the purpose of the correlational method?

  To measure relationships
• What level of control does the correlational method have?

  Low
• Does the observational method establish cause-effect relationships?

  No
• What does IV stand for in experimental methods?

  Independent variable
• How does random assignment contribute to experimental methods?

  Ensures groups are comparable
• What does DV stand for in experimental methods?

  Dependent variable
• What does correlational research measure?

  The strength of association between two variables
• How does the presence of a control group enhance an experiment?

  It allows for comparison against treatment effects
• What does a correlation coefficient (r) indicate?

  The relationship's strength and direction
• What does the experimental method establish?

  Cause-effect relationships
• What is the primary purpose of research methods in psychology?

  To study behavior
• What is the range of a correlation coefficient (r)?

  -1.0 to 1.0
• How does the observational method study behavior?

  In natural settings without intervention
• What is the purpose of the observational method?

  To observe behavior
• What does a strong positive correlation (e.g., r = 0.9403) indicate?

  Increasing one variable leads to an increase in another
• How does the control level differ among the three methods?

  Experimental has high control, others low
• How do the three research methods differ in terms of cause-effect relationships and control?

  • Experimental: High control, direct cause-effect
  • Correlational: Low control, indirect cause-effect
  • Observational: Low control, no cause-effect
• What are the characteristics of correlational methods?

  • Measures association without manipulation
  • Uses correlation coefficients to indicate strength and direction
  • Visualized through scatter plots
• What does the correlational method measure?

  Relationships
• Does the correlational method establish cause-effect relationships?

  Yes, but indirectly
• What does the image clarify about experimental designs?

  They directly test cause-effect
• What is manipulated in the experimental method?

  The independent variable
• Does the experimental method establish cause-effect relationships?

  Yes, it shows direct cause-effect
• Why is ecological validity considered high in observational methods?

  Because behavior is observed in natural settings
• What are the purposes of the three research methods?

  • Experimental: Show cause-effect
  • Correlational: Measure relationship
  • Observational: Observe behavior
• What are the strengths and limitations of each research method in psychology?

  Strengths and limitations:

  • Experimental: Strong control, but may lack ecological validity.
  • Correlational: Identifies relationships, but cannot imply causation.
  • Observational: Real-world insights, but lacks control.
  • Case studies: Deep insights, but not generalizable.
  • Surveys: Large data collection, but may have bias.
• What is the purpose of surveys in psychological research?

  To collect information from large groups
• What does the experimental method in psychology test?

  Cause-and-effect relationships
• What is a drawback of participant observation?

  It can make data subjective
• What are the three main research methods compared?

  Experimental, correlational, and observational
• How do participant and non-participant observations differ in terms of data collection?

  Participant observation is subjective, non-participant is objective
• How does reliability vary across types of observational methods?

  It differs based on the method used and context
• What is a case study in psychology?

  In-depth analysis of individuals or groups
• What are the major research methods used in psychology?

  • Experimental
  • Correlational
  • Observational
  • Case studies
  • Surveys