AP Psych - Research Methods Advantages/Disadvantages

Case Study: Advantages

• Provides in-depth data collection to explore complex issues.
• Can generate future research questions based on findings.
• Requires minimal time and financial investment for exploration.
• Facilitates the study of rare or unusual cases that may be overlooked otherwise.

Case Study: Disadvantages

• Often relies on atypical subjects, which may skew results.
• Inference from case studies can lead to misleading generalizations.
• Lacks the ability to establish causal relationships between variables.

Survey: Advantages

• Capable of gathering data from a large number of participants for broad insights.
• Cost-effective approach to data collection.
• Quick administration, allowing for timely analysis.
• Enables collection of diverse information across various demographics or topics.

Survey: Disadvantages

• Vulnerable to participant dishonesty, leading to unreliable data.
• Risk of biased outcomes due to question wording or survey design.
• Use of leading questions may influence respondents' answers, compromising neutrality.

Naturalistic Observation: Advantages

• Captures behavior in natural settings without the influence of researcher interference.
• Budget-friendly method for observing subjects in their environment.
• Relatively straightforward in terms of data collection processes.

Naturalistic Observation: Disadvantages

• Lacks definitive explanations for observed behaviors, leaving room for interpretation.
• Desired behaviors may not occur, leading to incomplete data.
• Awareness of being observed can alter subjects' natural behavior (observer effect).
• Researchers have limited control over external environmental factors affecting the study.

Correlational Study: Advantages

• Utilizes statistical methods to identify and illustrate trends in data sets.
• Suitable for long-term studies, tracking changes over time.
• Allows examination of phenomena that are no longer accessible or present.
• Focuses on the relationship between only two variables, simplifying analysis.
• Typically less expensive and time-consuming than experimental approaches.
• Can clarify misconceptions around illusory correlations.

Correlational Study: Disadvantages

• Fails to provide explanations for the observed correlations, limiting understanding.
• Cannot determine cause-and-effect relationships from correlation alone.
• Lacks control over the manipulation of variables, which may obscure results.