Research Methods in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is one main purpose of conducting research in psychology?

  • To create fictional narratives
  • To entertain audiences
  • To display artistic talents
  • To analyze an area of interest (correct)

Participants have the right to withdraw from a study at any time without giving an explanation.

True (A)

What is a common disadvantage of quantitative research?

It may oversimplify the complexity of human nature.

Before participating in a study, individuals must read an information sheet and sign a __________.

<p>consent form</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of research with their primary characteristic:

<p>Quantitative research = Focuses on numerical measurements and data analysis Qualitative research = Explores complex phenomena through detailed descriptions Triangulation = Combines multiple methods to enhance validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in an information sheet for participants?

<p>Details about the study's funding (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quantitative research involves gathering detailed descriptions of participants' experiences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one advantage of quantitative research.

<p>It allows for precise measurement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting research in psychology?

<p>To understand human behavior and mental processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Informed consent is necessary to ensure participants understand their rights and what the research entails.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one advantage of conducting quantitative research.

<p>It allows for the generalization of results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

One disadvantage of qualitative research is that it is more __________ to analyze.

<p>difficult</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the research type with its characteristic:

<p>Quantitative Research = Focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis Qualitative Research = Seeks to understand experiences in depth Validity = Measures what it claims to measure Reliability = Consistency of a measure over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a con of quantitative research?

<p>It may overlook the context of participants' experiences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative research is primarily concerned with gathering numerical data.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does triangulation refer to in psychology research?

<p>The use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the validity of research findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of triangulation in research?

<p>To use various methods to enhance credibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative research uses structured observations to gather data.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of triangulation used in psychological research.

<p>Data triangulation, Researcher triangulation, Theoretical triangulation, or Methodological triangulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Researcher's position in qualitative research relies heavily on __________.

<p>subjectivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of triangulation with their definitions:

<p>Researcher triangulation = Different researchers conducting the same study Data triangulation = Using data from different sources or times Theoretical triangulation = Multiple perspectives to interpret results Methodological triangulation = Combining quantitative and qualitative methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of qualitative research?

<p>It lacks generalizability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quantitative research focuses on understanding experiences in depth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two criteria used to judge the value of quantitative research?

<p>Reliability and validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Research

The search for knowledge and establishment of facts.

Hypothesis

A well-defined statement that researchers aim to prove or disprove in their study. It outlines the expected relationship between variables.

Information Sheet

A formal document that explains the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of participating in a study. It ensures informed consent from participants.

Consent Form

A signed document that affirms a participant's understanding and agreement to participate in a study. It protects participants' rights and ensures ethical conduct.

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Quantitative Research

A type of research that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses and establish relationships between variables.

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Triangulation in research

Using multiple research approaches in a single study to improve the trustworthiness of the conclusions.

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Ecological Validity

The ability of research findings to be applied to real-world situations and populations.

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Data Triangulation

Using data obtained from different sources or at different times.

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Researcher Triangulation

Involving several researchers with different perspectives to increase the credibility of the findings.

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Generalizability

The extent to which a research finding can be generalized to other populations, contexts, and times.

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Individual Differences

Refers to the uniqueness of each individual and considers how their experiences, beliefs, and personality can influence their behavior.

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Theoretical Triangulation

Using different theoretical frameworks to interpret the results and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

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Methodological Triangulation

Combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies in a single study.

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Reliability in research

The degree to which a research study can be replicated with consistent results.

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Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure. It asks, 'Are we actually measuring what we want to measure?'

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Reliability

The consistency of a measure. If we get the same results when we repeat a test, it's considered reliable.

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Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated by the researcher to see its effect on the dependent variable.

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Dependent Variable

A variable that is measured by the researcher to see how it's affected by the independent variable.

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Depth of Understanding

Qualitative research emphasizes understanding an experience in depth rather than simply testing hypotheses. It seeks to explore the why and how behind phenomena.

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Advantages of Qualitative Research

The advantages of qualitative research lie in its ability to gain rich insights into people's feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It provides a nuanced perspective that quantitative research may miss.

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Study Notes

Research Methods in Psychology

  • Psychology has moved from speculation to empirical data
  • Behaviourists focused on observable behavior
  • Quantitative methods use numerical data
  • Qualitative methods use descriptive data
  • Researchers choose the appropriate method based on their research intentions and assumptions
  • Quantitative methods are used to test hypotheses and generalize to populations
  • Qualitative methods are used to understand life experiences and the meaning behind experiences
  • Researchers should be knowledgeable about both methodologies

Quantitative Research

  • Gathers numerical information
  • Uses statistical methods
  • Identifies cause-and-effect relationships (in experimental designs)
  • Assumes objectivity is key
  • May oversimplify human complexity
  • Uses large samples
  • Laboratory settings can be less natural
  • Can have low ecological validity
  • May not fully address individual differences

Quantitative Research Tools

  • Experiments: manipulate an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, controlling extraneous variables.
  • Observation: counting the frequency of specific behaviors
  • Rating Scales: numerically measure opinions or attitudes
  • Likert Scales: measure attitudes and opinions on a scale
  • Data is often collected by questions and surveys about participants opinions

Qualitative Research

  • Gathers descriptive and narrative information (words, not numbers)
  • Focuses on participant perspectives
  • Aims to understand the meaning people attach to their experiences
  • The researcher is the primary data collection and analysis tool
  • Does not need large, representative samples
  • Not intended to be generalized
  • Often chosen for in depth understanding of experiences/events
  • Focuses on subjective lived/experiential reality

Qualitative Research Tools

  • Interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured): exploring the experiences of individuals
  • Semi-structured/unstructured observations: observing behavior in a natural setting
  • Case studies: intensive investigation of an individual or specific situation

Combining Methodologies

  • Triangulation means using multiple approaches in a single study to improve conclusions
  • Approaches to triangulation include:
    • Data triangulation (different sources, different points in time)
    • Researcher triangulation (multiple researchers)
    • Theoretical triangulation (multiple perspectives/theories)
    • Methodological triangulation (using both qualitative and quantitative measures)

Evaluating Research

  • Quantitative:
    • Validity: extent to which a test measure what it claims to measure
    • Reliability: extent to which the results of a measure are consistent
  • Qualitative:
    • Authenticity/Detailed:
    • Meaningful:
    • Detailed:
    • Generalization: not applicable
    • Triangulation: improve study's confidence

Summary of Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies

  • Quantitative: large samples, numerical data, statistical analysis, generalize easily
  • Qualitative: smaller samples, descriptive data, in-depth understanding, limited generalizability

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