IB PSYCH PAPER 3

• Types of research methods

  • Quantitative
  • Qualitative
• Quantitative methods


  • True experiment
  • Quasi-experiment
  • Correlational study
  • Survey
  • Focus group
• Quantitative sampling


  • Random sampling
  • stratified sampling
  • Convenience/opportunity sampling
  • Self-selected sampling
• True experiment


  1. Random allocation into experimental groups

  2. Researcher can assume IV is the only difference between groups

  3. Cause-effect relationship can be established
• Quasi-experiment


  • Allocation into groups based on pre-existing differences
  • Can only establish correlational relationships
• Correlational study


  • No variable is manipulated
  • Relationship between two or more variables is measured
  • variables can be measured using different methods (observation..)
  • Can only establish correlational relationships
• Qualitative sampling

  • Quota sampling
  • Purposive sampling
  • Theoretical sampling
  • Snowball sampling
  • Convenience sampling
• Observation


  • Focuses on how people interact in natural settings
  • overt VS. covert and participant vs. non-participant
  • Allows researcher to gain first-hand experience
• Interview

  • Structured
  • Semi-structured - focus group
  • Unstructured
• Focus group


  • Conducted simultaneously with a group of people
  • Researcher has a role of a facilitator to keep the group on task
• Case study


  • In-depth investigation of an individual or a group
  • Often incorporates a variety of other methods
  • Less focus on generalizability of results
• Ethical requirements


  • Informed consent
  • Protection from harm
  • Anonymity and confidentiality
  • Withdrawal from the study
  • Deception
  • Debriefing
• Informed consent

  • must be voluntary + fully informed
  • must be presnted in an accessible way
  • feel free to ask
  • be provided with all aspects of the research process
• Deception

  • some degree of deception often has to be used
  • must be as minimal as possible
  • must be revealed after study
  • cannot cause distress
• Debriefing

  • participants must be fully informed about true aims
  • must know how data will be stored+used
  • can ask questions
• deception by omission


  = withholding certain information / creating ambiguity about aims of study