Research Methods

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  • Created by: honeybeex
  • Created on: 20-12-22 09:55
What is a cross sectional study?
The sample is a number of different individuals taken from different groups (sections) e.g. age groups.
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What is a longitudinal study?
Sample = specific individuals over a specific period of time.
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What is a cross sequential study?
Studying a select few individuals over time.
(A combination of longitudinal and cross sequential.)
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Case Study Characteristics
Long term - comprehensive.
Quantifiable data through self-reporting.
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Case Study Pros
Useful information about individuals and small groups.
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Case Study Cons
Results very specific (cannot be widely applied/generalised)
High likelihood of investigator bias
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Survey Research Characteristics
Quantitative and qualitative data
Learns about similarities, differences and trends
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Survey Pros
Easy + convenient
Lots of QT data
Large sample
Inexpensive
Anonymity possible
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Survey Cons
Sample unlikely to be representative
Volunteer bias
Distortion
(lying or questions worded confusingly)
Interviewer bias
(leading questions)
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Observational Research Characteristics
Laboratory (in lab) or naturalistic (in real setting)
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Observation Pros
Reduces participant distortion. Can't lie about what they did.
Strong validity - empirical based on observable data.
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Observation Cons
Subject bias - you see what you want to see
Unrepresentative sample
Observer effect
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Correlational Research Characteristics
Compares factors to attempt to determine if a relationship between them exists and the strength of that relationship.
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Correlation Pros
Finds new avenues for future research (predictions)
Helps understand the complex relationships behind a lot of different variables - zoomed out view
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Correlation Cons
Correlation is not causation
To study variable relationships you need further research (experiments etc.)
Difficult to account for all variables
Are variables clearly defined? e.g. poor/working class
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is a longitudinal study?

Back

Sample = specific individuals over a specific period of time.

Card 3

Front

What is a cross sequential study?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Case Study Characteristics

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Case Study Pros

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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