Research methodologies

• Research Methodologies

  Lab- takes place in an artificial setting, variables are controlled but behaviour isn't natural. Field- takes place in a natural setting, doesn't produce artificial behaviour but hard to control. Natural- the Iv's vary naturally, allows hard topics to be studied but hard to control. Quasi- not an experiment, controlled conditions but its not random.
• Research Methodologies

  Participant- observer doesn't manipulate study, behaviour is natural but there can be observer bias. Non-participant- observer isn't involved in study, more accurate observations but observer bias. Questionnaires- a list of questions, large samples can be collected but social desirability bias and response rates may be low.
• Research Methodologies

  Structured interviews- questions used to collect data, easy to replicate but not flexible. Semi-structured interviews- discussion in interviews, gets qualitative data but interviewer bias may occur. Self-report- participants report their own thoughts, shows why people behave in certain ways but social desirability bias.
• Research Methodologies

  Correlational studies- looks at the relationship between co-variables, shows variable strength but no cause and effect relationship. Case studies- detailed study, can gain in depth data but relies on memory. Content analysis- accesses qualitative/secondary sources, high ecological validity but observer bias may occur.
• Research Methodologies

  Brain scans- any technique which allows for images of the brain to be created.Some brain scans like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computerised Tomography) show brain structure and can be used to identify brain abnormalities.
• Position Emission Tomography (PET) scan


  A radioactive glucose tracer is injected and emits positrons. Areas of the brain that are more active will draw the tracer. Shows low/high brain activity. Strength- shows the brain in action and is cheaper than fMRI. Weakness- expensive compared to MRI, exposes patient to radiation and less detailed.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan


  It involves the use of a magnetic field that causes the atoms of the brain to change their alignment when the magnet is on and emit various radio signals when magnet is turned off, a detector reads the signals. Strength- doesn't expose patient to radiation, more detailed that other scans. Weakness- process is uncomfortable, magnetic fields used mean patients with metal implants cant have it.
• Longitudinal Studies

  A study of the same participants over a longer period of time, the aim is to observe longer term changes in behaviour. Strength- high control over participant variables and can allow researchers to separate the effects of nature from nurture. Weakness- very time consuming/cost alot of money and attrition where participants drop out of a study.
• Cross-sectional studies

  This method is used to study differences in behaviour in different groups of people and are compared to a point in time. Strengths- much quicker/cheaper than a longitudinal study and there is no risk of attrition. Weakness- participant variables, the groups studied may differ on other factors aside from the one of interest. Cohort effects are when people born at a certain time share similar experiences which are different to people from another time.