Research Methods and Techniques
Research Design
- Replicated study: This is a research that is carried out with the same procedures as a previous study but with different participants. It is done to verify or refute the findings of the previous study.
- Longitudinal vs Cross-sectional studies: Longitudinal studies monitor the same participants over an extended period of time, while cross-sectional studies compare different groups of participants at the same time.
- Case studies: These are in-depth studies of a single individual/unit. They are often used when it's impossible or unethical to conduct controlled experiments.
- Correlational studies: These studies are used to investigate the relationship between two variables, but they cannot determine causality.
Data Collection Methods
- Self-report techniques: This includes methods such as questionnaires, interviews, and diaries where participants are asked to provide information about themselves.
- Observations: This can be naturalistic (observing in a natural setting) or controlled (observing in a lab setting).
- Experiments: This involves manipulating one variable and measuring the effect on another variable. It can be conducted in a lab, field or through natural/ quasi experiments.
Sampling Methods
- Random sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
- Systematic sampling: Every nth member of the population is chosen.
- Stratified sampling: The population is divided into subgroups based on certain characteristics (e.g. age, sex), and participants are selected from each subgroup.
- Opportunity sampling: The sample consists of participants who are available and agree to take part.
Data Analysis
- Descriptive statistics: Used to summarise and describe the data collected. Measures include mean, median, and mode.
- Inferential statistics: Used to draw conclusions about the population based on the data collected from the sample. It includes hypothesis testing and statistical significance.
Ethical Considerations
- Informed consent: Participants should be fully informed about the nature of the research and agree to participate voluntarily.
- Deception: Researchers should avoid deceiving participants wherever possible, and if used, participants should be debriefed afterwards.
- Confidentiality: Participants' identity and responses should be kept confidential.
- Protection from harm: Researchers should ensure that participants are not subjected to physical or psychological harm.