research methods

Experimental Research

• Pros

  • Allows for cause-and-effect relationships to be established

  • Provides control over variables

  • Can be replicated for validation

• Cons

  • Artificial laboratory setting may not reflect real-world conditions

  • Ethical concerns when manipulating variables

  • Results may not generalize to the larger population

Correlational Research

• Pros

  • Examines naturally occurring relationships between variables

  • Can identify patterns and associations

  • Useful for studying variables that cannot be manipulated

• Cons

  • Cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships

  • Directionality problem (unclear which variable influences the other)

  • Third variable problem (confounding factors may influence the relationship)

Observational Research

• Pros

  • Allows for studying behavior in natural settings

  • Provides rich and detailed data

  • Can generate hypotheses for further research

• Cons

  • Observer bias may influence data collection

  • Lack of control over variables

  • Ethical concerns when observing private behaviors

Survey Research

• Pros

  • Efficient way to collect data from a large sample

  • Can gather information on attitudes, opinions, and behaviors

  • Allows for anonymity and confidentiality

• Cons

  • Relies on self-report, which may be biased or inaccurate

  • Sampling bias may occur if the sample is not representative

  • Limited in-depth information on individual responses

Case Study Research

• Pros

  • Provides detailed and in-depth information on individuals or small groups

  • Allows for the study of rare or unique phenomena

  • Can generate hypotheses for further research

• Cons

  • Findings may not generalize to the larger population

  • Subjectivity and bias in data collection and interpretation

ethical guidelines

Lack of informed consent

Participants should be fully informed about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study before giving their consent.

Deception

Researchers should avoid deceiving participants unless it is absolutely necessary and justified by the study's objectives.

Invasion of privacy

Researchers should respect the privacy of participants and ensure that their personal information is kept confidential.

Harm to participants

Researchers should minimize any potential physical or psychological harm to participants and provide appropriate support if any harm occurs.

Lack of debriefing

Participants should be provided with a thorough debriefing after the study, explaining the true nature of the research and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.

Bias and discrimination

Researchers should avoid any form of bias or discrimination in participant selection, data collection, and interpretation of results.