Research methods 2 review

What type of data: Put a tick in a chart each time you dream about an animal.

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

Identify two situations in which using a natural experiment is suitable.

• When the behaviour being studied is unlikely to be affected by the artificial environment

• When it would be impossible to manipulate the independent variable

• When researchers need to collect data about people’s feelings and opinions

• When it would be unethical to manipulate the independent variable

Which two elements do you need to include to get full marks for this question: Describe what is meant by a natural experiment (2 marks).

• The IV isn't manipulated (occurs naturally)

• The DV is measured

• It takes place in a real-life environment.

• Participants don't know they are being studied.

What would be the most appropriate elaboration of this point: One weakness of field experiments in that they lack control over extraneous variables.

• This is a strength because we can check that are findings are reliable, so we can be sure they are internally valid (measuring what they intend to measure).

• This is a weakness because it means we cannot be certain that there is cause and effect (a link) between the IV and DV.

• This is a weakness because it breaks ethical guidelines.

• This is a strength because it means we can apply the results to the target population (generalisable).

Select all that are fully operationalised.

• Scores on test

• Number of absences (from school records)

• Scores on test (out of 20)

• Number of absences

Which of these elements must be included when analysing a scatter graph?

• Type of correlation

• Strength of correlation

• What it shows in plain english

• Anomalies

What would be the most appropriate elaboration of this point: One strength of case studies is that they are conducted in real-life situations.

• This is a strength because we can check that are findings are reliable, so we can be sure they are internally valid (measuring what they intend to measure).

• This is a strength because it means we can be certain that there is cause and effect (a link) between the IV and DV.

• This is a weakness because it breaks ethical guidelines.

• This is a strength because it means they are more likely to be ecological valid so we can apply the results to the target population (generalisable).