Research Methods Matrix
Associate Level Material
Appendix B
Research Methods Matrix
.
Using the table below list each research method and its advantages and disadvantages for use in this study.
Research Method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Naturalistic Observation
Detailed information and ecological validity, little control of what occurs in the situation. Observe the subject natural setting. Study things that can’t be manipulated.
Ethnics sometimes can be biased. Difficult to find the actual reason for the behavior. Does not know the cause.
Case Studies
Scientific experiment can be conducted, description and detail. Ground work future studies, more opportunity for researchers.
Some are not scientific, not always useful. Some bias data collection, influence test results. Difficult to draw define cause/effect from case studies.
Survey
Sensitive information, strength benefit. Address the short comings. Measure attitudes, beliefs, tendencies to act, eliminate interviewer’s bias. High representativeness, low cost, convenient data gathering, good statistical significance, little or no observer subjectivity, precise results.
Questionnaire everywhere, competing for responders time. Lack of personal contact, disadvantage weak points. Inflexible design, not ideal for controversial issues, inappropriate questions not answered truthfully.
Correlational Research
It helps narrow down causes, behavior and disease. Collect more data predict and analyze relationships. Among large numbers predict scores on variables.
Uncovers a relationship, cannot provide a conclusive for why it is a relationship. It cannot be used to demonstrate, cause and effect relationships.
Experimental Research
Method, characteristics, scientific approach. Multiple organization find out the cause, draw conclusions.
Laboratory, inconclusive results. Manipulation unexpected control. Unexpected behavior.
Make your recommendation to the psychologist and explain the rationale behind your choice.
Your
Appendix B
Research Methods Matrix
.
Using the table below list each research method and its advantages and disadvantages for use in this study.
Research Method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Naturalistic Observation
Detailed information and ecological validity, little control of what occurs in the situation. Observe the subject natural setting. Study things that can’t be manipulated.
Ethnics sometimes can be biased. Difficult to find the actual reason for the behavior. Does not know the cause.
Case Studies
Scientific experiment can be conducted, description and detail. Ground work future studies, more opportunity for researchers.
Some are not scientific, not always useful. Some bias data collection, influence test results. Difficult to draw define cause/effect from case studies.
Survey
Sensitive information, strength benefit. Address the short comings. Measure attitudes, beliefs, tendencies to act, eliminate interviewer’s bias. High representativeness, low cost, convenient data gathering, good statistical significance, little or no observer subjectivity, precise results.
Questionnaire everywhere, competing for responders time. Lack of personal contact, disadvantage weak points. Inflexible design, not ideal for controversial issues, inappropriate questions not answered truthfully.
Correlational Research
It helps narrow down causes, behavior and disease. Collect more data predict and analyze relationships. Among large numbers predict scores on variables.
Uncovers a relationship, cannot provide a conclusive for why it is a relationship. It cannot be used to demonstrate, cause and effect relationships.
Experimental Research
Method, characteristics, scientific approach. Multiple organization find out the cause, draw conclusions.
Laboratory, inconclusive results. Manipulation unexpected control. Unexpected behavior.
Make your recommendation to the psychologist and explain the rationale behind your choice.
Your