5 research methods

Correlation Design

Description:
- measuring relation between two variables
- positive correlation
- negative correlation

Strengths:
- quick
- easy
- describes strength of relationship
- ability to be subsumed under another category

Limitations:
- not causation
- intervenance of unmeasured variable

Example:
- positive correlation between intelligence and grade point average such that the more intelligent a person is, the higher their grade point average

Experimental Method

Description:
- manipulation of minimum one variable
- measurement of minimum one other variable
- experimental group
- control group

Strengths:
- potential cause-effect answers
- control situation

Limitations:
- studies conducted in contrived/ artificial laboratory settings
- practical
- ethical

Example:
- Testing the effects of ritalin medication on the attention spans of children with ADHD

Naturalistic Observation

Description:
- participants observed in natural setting
- no interference

Strengths:
- participants react normally

Limitations:
- time consuming
- no control
- uncertain results
- researcher not completely unobstrusive

Example:
- researcher observing wild animals without interference

Case Study

Description:
- detailed information about individual
- develop general behavioral principles

Strengths:
- more revelation about subject
- great depth study
- rare disorders/circumstances

Limitations:
- time consuming
- effort
- attention to detail
- difficult generalization

Example:
- following one child from conception to adulthood to examine his specific lifespan development

Survey Method

Description:
- questioning large group of people
- representative sample

Strengths:
- very quick
- efficient

Limitations:
- precise questions preventing confusion/bias
- difficulty gaining in-depth knowledge
- no guarantee of honesty

Example:
- survey of first-time pregnant women on their beliefs about
their efficacy on being a mother