Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Research methods - Coggle Diagram
Research methods
Observational Techniques
Naturalistic observations are observations where behaviour is observed outside the lab in the natural environment
Controlled observations are where the observation is done in a somewhat controlled environment, they may be able to manipulate IV
-
-
-
-
Experimental Methods
-
Feil experiments are experiments carried out in the environment being observed/where the behaviour is observed
Strengths:
- High ecological validity and mundane realism
- Can study behaviours that are harder to replicate in a lab
- Participants are less likely to be aware they are being observed
Weaknesses:
- High risk of extraneous variables like weather
- As a result, they are harder to replicate
- They are more susceptible to sample bias as they need to make sure the participants are suitable for the environment
Natural experiments are where naturally occurring variables are studied. I.E. asking someone how their mental health is in sun vs rain
Strengths:
- High mundane realism and ecological validity, naturally occuring things are being studied
- The participant is more farmiliar with the thing being studied
- Can be easy to replicate, they just have to wait for a day with the same conditions
Weaknesses:
- Lack of control over the experiment leaves room for extraneous variables
- It could take months for the variable you need to be in place, and even in that situation the participant could be unable to do it on that day
- Participants are likely to know they are being observed due to the spesific nature
Quasi experiments are where you are studying a naturally occurring group like males vs females so there is no IV manipulation
Strengths:
- Can be easier to carry out as researchers don't have to worry about IV manipulation
- Less variable manipulation = less chance of something going wrong
Weaknesses:
- Finding enough willing participants with the specific characteristics could take ages
- Depending on what is being studied, this could be very hard to replicate