Research Methods

Experimental

Description

which a researcher manipulates a variable under highly controlled conditions

Strengths

The power of the experimental method derives from the fact that it allows researchers to detect cause-and-effect relationships.

this method can be used when it is appropriate, both practically and ethically, to manipulate the variables.

Limitations

this method can only be used when it is practical and ethical for the researcher to manipulate the antecedent conditions

experimental studies are usually done in the highly controlled setting of the laboratory

Description

is a nonexperimental, descriptive method

A correlational study is one designed to determine the degree and direction of relationship between two or more variables or measures of behavior.

Strenghts

the fact that it can be used to determine if there is a relationship between two variables without having to directly manipulate those variables

Limitations

it does not tell researchers whether or not the relationship is causal

Description

the researcher very carefully observes and records some behavior or phenomenon, sometimes over a prolonged period, in its natural setting.

Strenghts

it allows researchers to observe behavior in the setting in which it normally occurs rather than the artificial and limited setting of the laboratory

studying nature for its own sake or using nature to validate some laboratory finding or theoretical concept.

Limitations

this is a descriptive method, not an explanatory one

takes a great amount of time

the difficulty of observing behavior without disrupting it

Descriptions

non experimental, descriptive study

data collected via interviews or questionnaires

Strenghts

useful when researchers are interested in collecting data on aspects of behavior that are difficult to observe directly

Limitations

it relies on a self-report method of data collection

this method is descriptive, not explanatory

Descriptions

t involves an in-depth descriptive record, kept by an outside observer, of an individual or group of individuals.

Strenghts

seful when researchers want to get a detailed contextual view of an individual's life or of a particular phenomena.

used to help understand the social and familial factors that might be part of the development of the behaviour of an individual

useful when researchers cannot, for practical or ethical reasons, do experimental studies

Limitations

this is a descriptive method, not an explanatory one

also involve only a single individual or just a few and therefore may not be representative of the general group or population.