Describe two research methods utilized by psychologists, including an example of each
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER:
?Naturalistic observations
are research studies that are conducted in the environment in which the behavior typically occurs. While naturalistic observation can provide a picture of behavior as it normally occurs, researchers need to consider the influence of reactivity.
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A case study is an in-depth observation of one participant. The participant may be a person, an animal, or even a setting such as a business or a school. As with naturalistic observation, in case studies researchers do not control any variables but merely record or relate their observations. Case studies provide in-depth information on rare and unusual conditions that we might not otherwise be able to study.
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Often, psychologists want to study a whole group of people but in less depth. Surveys can accomplish this task by asking a large group of people about their attitudes, beliefs, and/or behaviors. A large group of people can quickly respond to questions or statements in their homes, online, over the phone, or out in public.
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Correlational studies test the relationship, or correlation, between two or more variables—television watching and violent behavior, or depression and gender, for example. The researcher does not control variables but rather measures them to see whether any reliable relationship exists between them.
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Although several types of research methods are used to test predictive hypotheses, only one research method can test a causal hypothesis: the experiment. Two main features characterize an experiment. First, the variables in the study are controlled or manipulated. Second, participants are randomly assigned to the conditions of the study. When these two conditions have been met, causal conclusions may be drawn.
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A quasi-experiment is in some ways like an experiment. The researcher manipulates the independent variable and sets the other conditions to be the same for both groups. However, the second requirement for an experiment—randomly assigning participants to conditions—has not been met.
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