Research Methods in Psychology

Between-Subjects Design

• Individuals randomly assigned to different groups.
• Each participant experiences only one condition.
• Random assignment crucial to avoid the expectancy effect.
• Strengths:
  • Avoids order effects.
  • Generally faster to conduct.
• Limitations:
  • Individual differences can affect results.
  • Requires more participants than within-subjects designs for comparable data.

Mixed-Subjects Design

• Combines elements of between and within-subjects designs.
• Allows for comparisons within groups over time and across groups.
• Allows multiple conditions compared to a baseline.
• Strengths:
  • Tracks changes within groups and compares across them.
  • Enables comparisons to a control group.
• Limitations:
  • Can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Requires researchers knowledgeable in multiple methods.

Case Studies

• In-depth investigations of individuals, groups, or phenomena.
• Can involve real or hypothetical situations.
• Strengths:
  • Useful for rare phenomena.
  • Allows for detailed exploration.
• Limitations:
  • Limited generalizability to broader populations.
  • Prone to researcher bias.

Correlational Studies

• Observe and measure relationships between variables without manipulation.
• Aims to find relationships, describe them, and predict.
• Strengths:
  • Easy to conduct, often using existing data.
  • Can identify correlations.
• Limitations:
  • Cannot establish cause-and-effect.
  • Susceptible to confounding variables.

Classification and Identification

• Grouping phenomena, events, or objects into categories and identifying their group membership.
• Strengths:
  • Organizes complex information.
  • Enables standardized communication.
• Limitations:
  • Can oversimplify, creating inaccuracies.
  • May be subjective and biased, leading to inconsistencies.

Fieldwork

• Research conducted outside a lab setting, interacting with the environment and/or people.
• Strengths:
  • Data gathered in authentic real-world settings.
  • Useful for identifying correlations.
• Limitations:
  • Time-consuming and resource-intensive.
  • Prone to uncontrollable variables (e.g., weather, human behaviour).

Literature Review

• Analyzing existing research to answer questions or provide background.
• Strengths:
  • Less time-consuming and costly than primary data collection.
  • Provides insight into current knowledge.
• Limitations:
  • Prone to researcher bias in selecting literature.
  • Doesn't generate new data or findings.

Modelling and Simulation

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Explore the research methods used in psychology including between-subjects design, mixed-subjects design, and case studies. Understand the strengths and limitations of each method while learning how they contribute to psychological research. This quiz is essential for students looking to deepen their understanding of experimental designs in psychology.