There are five key research methods utilized in various fields: correlation, surveys, experimental techniques, naturalistic observation, and case studies. Correlation examines the relationship between two variables, while surveys gather data and opinions from individuals.
Strength: no manipulation due to ethical concerns.
Weakness: time consuming & difficult.
Weakness: costly & time consuming
Strength: detailed allowing greater insight.
Weakness: possibility of research bias.
Strength: demonstrate cause & effect
Weakness: results lack generalizability
Strength: no manipulation
Strength: generates qualitative & quantitative data for specific needs.
Weakness: causation cannot be determined
Five Research Methods (Alia Youssef)
Surveys
Def.: gathering information & data from individuals (inspecting)
E.g.: gathering people's opinions about "sushi"
Case Study
Def.: descriptive & in-depth study about a person, group or event.
E.g.: conducting a study to investigate the musical abilities of an individual with an exceptional ability to write songs.
Naturalistic
Def.: observing subjects in their natural environment, no intervention.
E.g.: studying the differences in risk taking behavior between boys and girls by observing them in different settings.
Correlation
Def.: relationship between two variables
E.g.: There is a positive correlation between suicide and depression.
Experimental Technique
Def.: examination in seeking facts or principles
E.g.: An investigator wants to evaluate whether a new technique to teach math to elementary school students is more effective than the standard teaching method.