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Research Methods in Psychology
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Research Methods in Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
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1
Question
What defines a natural experiment and how does it differ from controlled experiments?
Answer
A natural experiment involves an independent variable (IV) that is naturally occurring without manipulation, observing its influence on the dependent variable (DV). There is no random allocation of participants and no direct causation can be established since variables cannot be controlled.
2
Question
What are the key features of correlation studies?
Answer
Correlation studies are quantitative and seek to observe the relationship between co-variables without manipulation. They do not establish cause and effect and have no control over extraneous variables.
3
Question
What characterizes a focus group as a research method?
Answer
A focus group has 8-12 participants discussing common interests simultaneously. Participants are encouraged to talk among themselves rather than directly to the facilitator, enabling more candid and rich qualitative data, especially useful for sensitive topics.
4
Question
How do structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews differ?
Answer
Structured interviews follow a strict, pre-determined schedule with identical questions for all participants to allow analysis and comparison. Semi-structured interviews have a flexible schedule allowing open-ended follow-up questions, combining both close and open-ended queries. Unstructured interviews have no set schedule, are fully open-ended, provide rich qualitative data, and require trained researchers.
5
Question
What is naturalistic observation and what are its limitations?
Answer
Naturalistic observation involves researchers observing behavior in a natural setting, often recording subjective 'field notes.' It provides no control over variables, so causation cannot be established. Observation can be overt (participants aware) or covert (participants unaware).
6
Question
What advantages do surveys or questionnaires have as research methods?
Answer
Surveys/questionnaires are cost-effective, fast, allow anonymous responses to reduce interviewer effects, enable wider population coverage, and generate correlation data although they do not establish causation.
7
Question
What is a case study and how is method triangulation used within it?
Answer
A case study is often longitudinal and holistic, focusing on an individual or group to observe behavior over time. It uses various methods (method triangulation) to gather richer, more valid data by comparing different perspectives or types of evidence.
8
Question
What distinguishes non-probabilistic sampling methods such as opportunity, snowball, self-selected, and purposive sampling?
Answer
Non-probabilistic sampling methods do not involve random selection. Opportunity sampling is cost-effective but not representative; snowball sampling relies on participants recruiting others, usually for rare traits; self-selected sampling involves volunteers who are more willing but unrepresentative; purposive sampling targets specific participants relevant to the study.
9
Question
What is stratified random sampling and why is it important?
Answer
Stratified random sampling divides a population into distinct subgroups (strata) based on shared characteristics, then randomly selects samples from each group. This improves representativeness and ensures all subgroups are proportionally included.
10
Question
What ethical considerations must be addressed when conducting psychological research?
Answer
Key considerations include informed consent (participants understand and agree), anonymity (identities not revealed), confidentiality (data not shared outside study), right to withdraw without pressure, avoidance of deception unless justified and approved, no undue harm (physical or psychological), and debriefing participants post-study with true aims explained.
11
Question
How should researchers manage participant confidentiality when interviews or observations are recorded?
Answer
Confidentiality means research data won't be known outside the study. Recorded materials should be destroyed after transcripts are made to ensure anonymity, since complete anonymity can be difficult to guarantee otherwise.
12
Question
Why is the right to withdraw important in research ethics?
Answer
It ensures participants can leave the study at any time without pressure or coercion, and their data must be withdrawn if they choose to exit, safeguarding their autonomy and willingness to participate.
13
Question
What actions should researchers take if stress is observed in participants during a study?
Answer
They should stop the research, avoid any harm or humiliation, and offer counseling if needed to protect participants' physical and psychological health.
14
Question
What is method triangulation and why is it used?
Answer
Method triangulation involves using two or more research methods to study the same phenomenon, reducing researcher bias, increasing validity, and allowing participants to counter subjective interpretations.
15
Question
How can focus groups provide a more holistic understanding of research topics?
Answer
By encouraging candid conversations among multiple participants, focus groups collect rich qualitative data like emotions and experiences, which can be compared to experimental findings for a more comprehensive perspective.
16
Question
Why might semi-structured interviews be chosen to complement observational research?
Answer
They allow researchers to follow up with open-ended questions to verify and elaborate on observed behaviors, helping ensure the researchers’ interpretations align with participants’ perceptions and improving ecological validity.
17
Question
What are the benefits of random sampling in research?
Answer
Random sampling gives every individual an equal chance to be selected, making the sample more representative of the population and improving the generalizability of findings, though it is more time-consuming.
18
Question
What ethical issues arise in reporting research findings and how should they be addressed?
Answer
Researchers must avoid prejudicial treatment (bias or harm from sensitive sample characteristics), maintain objectivity, clearly communicate limitations, protect anonymity, and disclose researcher motivations/funding. They should ensure findings are not overstated or misrepresented to prevent misunderstandings or social stigma.
19
Question
How should researchers handle findings that could reinforce social stigma?
Answer
They need to carefully monitor and represent findings responsibly to avoid misunderstanding or discrimination, possibly using findings to raise awareness but ensuring objective and sensitive presentation.
20
Question
How can researchers ethically apply findings to broader populations?
Answer
By recognizing the sample's specific traits and limitations of the study, avoiding overgeneralization, communicating implications cautiously, and ensuring the findings are applied only to populations similar to the study group.
21
Question
What does credibility in qualitative research refer to?
Answer
Credibility refers to the extent to which the results of qualitative research are considered valid and trustworthy.
22
Question
What is data triangulation and how does it enhance credibility?
Answer
Data triangulation involves using various data sources, such as interviewing different people or at different times, to verify findings across multiple sources and enhance research validity and rigor.
23
Question
How does method triangulation contribute to research credibility?
Answer
Method triangulation uses multiple research methods to avoid the flaws and biases associated with relying on a single research technique, thereby improving credibility.
24
Question
What is researcher triangulation and why is it important?
Answer
Researcher triangulation involves multiple researchers analyzing data to limit confirmation bias and subjectivity, enhancing the credibility of the findings.
25
Question
What is member checking and how does it ensure credibility?
Answer
Member checking involves asking participants to confirm whether the results accurately reflect their responses, allowing clarification and ensuring that the researcher's interpretation aligns with participants' perceptions.
26
Question
How can replication of results increase the credibility of qualitative research?
Answer
If other studies replicate the results, it supports the reliability and credibility of the findings by showing consistency across research.
27
Question
Define reflexivity in qualitative research and its role in maintaining credibility.
Answer
Reflexivity is the researcher's critical self-reflection on how their subjectivity or research design may influence the study, helping to identify potential biases and maintain credibility.
28
Question
What is a "decision trail" and why is it important for credibility?
Answer
A decision trail is the transparent documentation of research decisions and processes, which increases the credibility of findings by allowing others to follow and evaluate the research journey.
29
Question
Name three types of participant bias that researchers need to control for.
Answer
Social desirability bias, expectancy effect, and screw you effect.
30
Question
How can researchers minimize participant bias in qualitative research interviews?
Answer
By telling participants there are no right or wrong answers and assuring them that their responses will not be judged.