AP Psychology Quiz & Flashcards on Research Methods

Study Notes

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.

Description

Test your knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods in psychology, such as case studies and surveys. This quiz focuses on the key points to consider when evaluating these methods in psychological research. Enhance your understanding of how different approaches impact findings.