Types of Research

We've looked at a variety of research studies already so this final chunk should be relatively straight forward.

In order to meet the requirements for this unit we need to be able to provide details on a few different types of research.

We need to be able to...

a) differentiate between the different types of research and describe them

b) explain a specific example of each type in the real world (We've already done most of these!)

RESEARCH-METHODS.docx

activity

Create 3 headings - 'experiments', 'case studies' and 'observations' and, using the above handout, see if you can write down a description of each of these types of research.

Try to use the correct terminology and include as many key points as you can. At a minimum, for each type you will want to make sure you've mentioned:

experimental vs non experimental
level of control
participant sample
variables (are they controlled?)

From the work you have already submitted, you should have multiple experiments and at least 1 case-study (if you can't identify them, have you done the above activity?) With that said, the only one we really need to look at is an observational study...

As you watch the video below, think about and try to take notes on each of the following...

Name of the researcher(s), where, and when the study took place
The aim of the study
Summary of what they did
What makes this observational and not a different type of research?
The results
Conclusions - remember, conclusions are different from results. Results are likely to be numerical or state facts. Conclusions take those facts and figures and say what it means for human behaviour. "The study suggests that... the less sleep we get the grumpier we become" (for example!)

This video covers an infamous observational study in psychology. In order to investigate obedience to authority and the power of social roles, Zimbardo created a make-shift prison in a basement of Stanford University. Student participants were assigned to the roles of prison guard or prisoner and their behaviour was documented closely...

Test time!

Well played for making it this far. If you feel comfortable with the content on this page then head on over to G classroom where you'll find the final psychology unit assessment (Theory & Methods).

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