Research Methods in Psychology (Coursework Sample)

Research Methods in Psychology
By
Sylvester, Joyce 
Research Method Advantages Disadvantages Naturalistic Observation
Natural observation involves observing the subjects in their natural environment. Usually, it takes place without the knowledge of the subjects being observed (Sanders, 2009). An example is observing students at the canteen to find out the prevalence for fast foodsThe data collected is unbiased since the subjects are unaware of the observation, and therefore tend to behavior in their normal/natural way. This advantage is not possible in situations where subjects are aware, such as interviews, where the subject may alter their behavior to avoid embarrassment or negative image. For example, a smoker may not admit being addictive, but naturalistic observation will help collect reliable/unbiased information.
High ecological validity- it can be used in real life situations. This characteristic makes the research findings to be easily applicable in solving real live problems. Ethical issues- since naturalistic observation takes place without the knowledge of subjects, there is the possibility of violating their human rights. This is akin to spying/unauthorized surveillance, which breaches people’s privacy.
Lack of control: It is virtually impossible to control the observation setting/environment without alerting the subjects. For example, the subject may move to an area where it is impossible to watch, or may abruptly stop doing the activity being watched. Case Study Method
Case studies involve studying an individual or groups to gain an in-depth knowledge of a given phenomenon (Sanders, 2009). For instance, a case study research may involve studying the studying trends of college students to determine the causes of poor performance. In the present case study, the researchers studied a group of young adults to determine cell phone use behaviors and how it affects users.
It allows for the studying of rare phenomena, such as cases of rare diseases (e.g. Ebola). This includes phenomena that are impossible to replicate in a laboratory, such as getting victims of Ebola. However, an outbreak of Ebola provides a case study for researchers to establish its effect on victims.
Leads to formulation of testable hypotheses. This is because case studies involve real life situations, and therefore easy to practically study. Expectancy effects: this refers to what the researcher expects to find out given on prior knowledge of the phenomenon. This may result in the researcher unconsciously manipulating the results or interpreting results to reflect their expected outcomes or theories.
Lack of generalization
The findings of a case study cannot be generalized with accuracy because every case is unique to its historical/environmental setting, subjects and methods of data analysis. For example, the effects of drug use in a poor neighborhood may not be representative of a upper class neighborhood. Questionnaires
This approach involves providing respondents with questionnaire forms in which they have to respond to open/close ended questions. The questions are designed to elicit specific and relevant information to the phenomenon being studied. For example, a study to find out the prevalence of smoking may ask respondents how often they smoke, the number of cigarettes they smoke daily, etc.
Variety of responses: open-ended questions make it possible to collect diverse responses, which provide in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon under study. There is variance of opinion as each respondent answers from a different perspective. This allows the researcher to cross-check responses and determine the most accurate and reliable information.
Respondents are likely to give truthful answers when the questionnaires are filled anonymously. Closed-ended questions limit the respondents’ answers, for instance when they have to answer “yes” or “no.” This strategy hinders the researcher from collecting the respondents’ views about the topic.
It is difficult to collect non-verbal information which can signify the respondents’ truthfulness. For this reason, the researcher cannot know when the respondents are lying or saying the truth. Interviews
Interviews are face-to-face live talks, or over-the-phone conversations in which the researchers asks the interviews different questions regarding the phenomenon under study.
Saves time: the researcher is able to get immediate responses.
Opportunity to observe non-verbal cues: the researcher can use non-verbal cues such as nervousness, silences or attempts by the interviewees to avoid eye contact. This can help to determine whether they are saying the truth.
Flexibility: Interviews allow the researcher to ask diverse questions depending on the interviewee’s answers. Possibility of interviewees giving false answers: during an interview, the guest/interviewee is put on the spot, especially when the topic touches on their personal life. Consequently, they may lie or avoid giving incriminating information.
Difficulty to replicate:
It is impossible to replicate the results of an interview because each a change of atmosphere or interviewer may elicit different answers. Correlation survey :
This is a survey designed to find out the relationship between two variables, e.g. between phone use and cheating in relationships. Easy to narrow the research topic by focusing on the variables being studied.
Easy to formulate testable hypothesis as the research aims to determine the cause-effect relationship...