Research Methods

Description

Mathematical echnique for summarizing data

Nonexperimental descriptive

Statistical tool

determines degree and direction of realtonship between two or more variables or measures of behaviours

Strengths

determine if there is realtionship between variables without direct manipulatin of the variable, when impractial and/or unethical to manipulate the variables

bases for prediction

Limitations

doesn't/can't prove causation

only shows that variables are related in a systemetric way

Description

broader categorie of field studies

reasearcher or phenomenon in it's natural setting

Strengths

allows research to observe the behavior in the setting in which it normally accurs rather than the artificial settig

studying nature for it's own sake

Limitations

descriptive method, not explanatory

conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships can't be drawn

behavior only descriped, not explained

time consuming

difficult to observe behavior without being disrupted

difficulty of coding results in a manners appropriate for statistical analysis

Description

Method, which a researches manipulates a variable under highly controlled conditions, if this producers any changes in a second variable

Variables (manipulated) is called independent variable the second variable (measured) is called dependent

Indenpendent variables=antecedent (preceding) conditions

Strengths

All scientific disciplenes use this method, because are interested in understanding the laws(cause-and-effect realtionship)

experimental method derives the fact to allow researchers to detect cause-and-effect relationship

to make sure of the cause-and-effect relationship, researchers must be sure of the manipulated variable is the only variable having an effect on the dependent variable, holding other variables which might effect the dependent variable, constant(equivalent)

by high controlled procedure can the researcher be sure that the observed changes in the dependent variable were in the fact caused by his manipulations

is used to determine cause-and-effect relationships practically and ethically, to manipulate the variables

Limitations

method can only be used it's practical and ethical for the researcher to manipulate the antecedent conditions

method of disciplining their children, neither practical nor ethical

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

conditions are arificial, not reflect what really happens in the less controlled and infinitely more complex real world

Description

Nonexperimental

Involves an in-depth descriptive record

Involves collecting and examing various observtions and records of an individuals experiences

Strengths

Provides adetailed contextual view of an individuals life

Help undestand the social and familiar factors

They are useful when researches cannot de experimental studies

Limitations

Conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships cannot be drawn

Is not representative of the general group

Description

Type of non experimantal, descriptive study

Scientists know inferences about behaviour from collecting data through interviews or questionnaires

Involves forces-choice questions or open-ended questions

Sometimes called self-report

Strengths

It makes it easier for researches to collect data on aspects of behaviour

Used in hte social and natural sciences

Used to asses attitudes and opinions on different subjects

Limitations

It relies on self-report method

Desriptive not explanatory

Cannot offer any insights into caused and effect relationships