The 5 research methods done by sara amin and julia khlaifat

describtion

begins with hypothesis

manipulating variables

observing effect on other variables

cause and effect

done in controlled setting

strengths

shows cause and effect relations

can be controlled however

can be repeated several times

practical and ethical in appropriate occurrences

limitations

not suitable or ethical in all situations

controlled environments don't reflect natural setting

some variables, hard to control.

examples

experiment on mentos in soda

experiment on water type best suited for plants

description

non-experimental

descriptive method

summarizing data/ statistical tool

determine degree relation between two or more variables.

variables not directly manipulated.

strengths

no need for variable manipulation

shows relations between variables

substitute for experimental method

basis for prediction

limitations

doesn't prove causation

not accurate in cause-effect relations

only shows connection of two variables in systematic way

examples

meditation increases concentration

depression's effect on exam performance

behavioral studies in psychology

description

field study

real life setting

observes/records -- behavior/ phenomena

subjects are not directly interfered with

strengths

no limiting lab setting

natural behavior/ no observer effect

first-hand look

limitations

time consuming

no control

descriptive not explanatory

difficulty coding results

difficulty replicating

examples

observing animal behavior in wilderness

observing baby's reaction to different stimuli

imposter observing how a group thinks

description

non-experimental

investigation

in-depth descriptive record kept by observer

collecting/examining observations and records

biographic data/ medical history/ interviews/ psychological tests

strengths

detailed view of phenomena or individuals life

understanding factors surrounding object or indivisual

also substitute for experimental method.

limitations

descriptive not explanatory

not representative

hard to replicate

research highly involved -- feelings influence results

questions on validity/reliability

examples

studying patient with mental disorder

effects of divorce on family

reaction of group of kids to violence

description

descriptive study

no direct observation

data : interviews, questionnaires.

closed-ended or open-ended questions

sometimes self report

sometimes interviewer present

strengths

large number of subjects

qualitative/ emotional feedback

low cost - practical

quick and easy

limitations

self report -- misunderstanding/ biases.

low response rate

no control

examples

consumer survey

opinions polls

demographic survey

service satisfaction

ratings