Methods of Psychology - Correlational Research

Study Notes

Survey Method

Utilizes questionnaires or interviews to gather data about behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and intentions from large groups.

Naturalistic Observation

Involves the unobtrusive observation of humans or animals in their natural environments, yielding authentic and uncontaminated behavioral data.

Case Study

An extensive investigation into an individual's background, history, or a small group, providing deep insights into specific cases.

Cross-Sectional Study

Examines and compares two randomly selected groups at the same time, effectively avoiding issues commonly encountered in longitudinal studies.

Longitudinal Studies

Focus on observing and studying the same group of subjects over an extended period, offering comprehensive in-depth data.

Psychological Tests

Includes assessments such as IQ, personality tests, inkblot tests, picture completion tasks, aptitude tests, and achievement tests, providing quick insight into psychological metrics.

Correlational Methods

Measures the strength and direction of relationships between variables, primarily aiming to predict behaviors.

Positive Correlation

Describes a relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds with an increase in another variable.

Negative Correlation

Indicates an inverse relationship, where an increase in one variable results in a decrease in another.

Confounding Variables

Any extraneous variable that could confuse results or impact either the dependent or independent variables, potentially leading to misleading conclusions.

Random Variables

Refers to confounding variables that vary due to background factors such as personalities, physical health, stress levels, environmental noise, and time of day, complicating the reliability of experiments.

Participant Expectations

Subjects may have preconceived notions about expected outcomes, leading them to either display anticipated behaviors or consciously avoid them, thus influencing the results.

Experimenter Bias

Occurs when researchers' expectations about results inadvertently influence their behavior, leading them to manipulate conditions to achieve desired outcomes rather than allowing for genuine reactions.

Description

Test your knowledge of various correlational research methodologies in psychology with this quiz! Explore key concepts such as survey methods, naturalistic observation, and case studies. Perfect for students wanting to deepen their understanding of research methods in psychology.