Research Methods
Descriptive Correlational Methods
Experimental Methods
Field Experiment
Laboratory Experiment
Archices
Surveys
Case Studies
Natural Observation
Psychological Tests
Weaknesses: Rare behaviors, Researcher Interference, Time consuming, Observer bias
Strengths: Spontaneous behaviors. People don't have to report their own experiences
Observing behavior from a distance without being noticed
Weaknesses: Observer bias. Hard to separate findings from a case. Difficult/impossible to recreate certain events
Strengths: Study of rare behaviors, hypothesis are very common
Examination of a person or group
Weaknesses: Certain events might not be recorded
Strengths: Easy access to all previously collected data and records
Reviewing data/records for cases
Weaknesses: Answers will not always be truthful
Strengths: Study of difficult to observe behaviors, thoughts. and feelings. Allows for a lot of people to be studied at once.
Researcher asking people direct questions
Weaknesses: Tests might not gather or test what really needed to be tested.
Testing the abilities, cognitions, motivations, or behaviors of a person
Weaknesses: Testing in lab would not be the same as if testing in natural environment Being observed can cause incorrect responses.
Researcher will manipulate variables and make observations
Weaknesses: Unnatural events/causes could happen, Less control on factors than if done in lab
Experiment on subjects in their natural environment
Strengths: More natural responses, cause-effect conclusions
Strengths: Control of variables, cause-effect conclusions
Strengths: Testing of characteristics that are difficult to obtain/observe
Phineas Gage Accident: Dr. Edward Williams and Gage's co-workers experienced that for a short period after accident Gage was walking and talking about the event.
Phineas Gage Accident: Dr. John Harlow reported of extreme behavior changes in Gage during and after the recovery process.
Phineas Gage Accident: Malcolm Macmillon stated that according to records that the effects on Gage had be extremely exaggerated and that he was more functional than what had been reported
Phineas Gage Accident: Case study in 2012 done by Jack Van Horn had data from the past and images of healthy peoples brains where gathered in order to figure out what parts of Gage's brain was damaged