Research Methods Toolbox

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary limitation of case studies in research?

They are overly generalizable to the larger population.

They provide rich information but have low external validity. (correct)

They rely on invasive methods of data collection.

They require a large sample size.

What is a key advantage of naturalistic observation?

It allows for highly controlled experimental conditions.

It provides high external validity. (correct)

It enables researchers to manipulate variables effectively.

It guarantees avoidance of reactivity.

What is a potential drawback of archival research?

There may be a lack of quality control and internal validity. (correct)

It can interfere with personal privacy.

It requires significant time and resources to collect data.

It provides completely accurate and valid data.

What is a common issue associated with survey research?

Surveys often lead to response errors or biases. Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is most likely to provide rich contextual data?

Case Studies Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of internal validity is a concern with naturalistic observation?

The researchers may influence the behavior of participants. Signup and view all the answers

What issue does the term 'malingering' refer to in survey research?

Faking or exaggerating responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is best known for allowing researchers to analyze large datasets without conducting original data collection?

Archival Research Signup and view all the answers

What does social desirability bias refer to?

An intention to present oneself positively to others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes validity in testing?

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operational definitions in research?

To specify variables for measurement to avoid ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of correlational studies?

They cannot establish causation between variables Signup and view all the answers

What does random assignment achieve in experimental designs?

It equally distributes confounding variables among groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation coefficient range and its implications?

From -1.0 to +1.0 indicating strength and direction of relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines the placebo effect?

Actual improvement due to psychological expectations rather than treatment Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes quasi-experimental designs?

They manipulate variables while lacking randomization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods Toolbox

Case studies: Focus on 1-2 individuals to demonstrate a phenomenon. Low external validity (as findings may not generalize to the broader population). High internal validity (high in rich detailed information).
Naturalistic observation: Observing behavior in natural settings without interference. High external validity, but potential for low internal validity (lack of control). Reactivity is a concern as the subjects often change their behavior knowing they are being observed.
Archival research: Analysis of pre-existing data (records, databases). Easy to conduct, but issues with internal and external validity due to unknown biases and limitations of the original data. A non-invasive research method.
Surveys: Collecting self-reported information. Convenient and easy to conduct but can suffer from response errors/biases (e.g., social desirability). High generalizability to large populations.

Reliability & Validity

Reliability: Consistency of measurements over time. Assessing internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability.
Validity: Measures what it intends to measure. Assessing face validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity.

Correlational Studies

Correlational studies show the relationship between two variables.
The correlation coefficient (r) represents the strength and direction of the relationship (-1 to +1). +1 is a perfect positive correlation, -1 is a perfect negative correlation, and 0 indicates no correlation.
Correlation does not equal causation.

Experimental Designs

Confounds: Rival hypotheses, uncontrolled variables that might explain the observed effect.
Random assignment: Essential for controlling extraneous factors in an experiment.
Placebo effect: When participants respond to an inert treatment.
Participant demands: Participants behaving as expected influencing the results.
Experimenter effects: Experimenter bias influencing the observations.

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Description

Explore key research methods used in psychology through this quiz. Learn about case studies, naturalistic observation, archival research, and surveys, along with their reliability and validity. Test your understanding of how these methods fit into the broader research landscape.