Research Methods

Examples

Biology

Most Favorite Bird Seed

Geology

The Mercalli Earthquake Scale

Psychology

Couples' Sexual Dysfunction

Sociology

Social Isolation Of A Child

Description

non experimental

descriptive study

Indirect observation

self-report data

Strengths

assess attitudes

opinions

variety of subjects

Limitations

self-report data

poor memory

Inaccuract data.

Not explanatory

Description

Investigation

Collecting Data

Observation

Strengths

Detailed

No experimental studies

Understandable

Limitations

Single Individual

retrospective Data

uncontrolled Conditions

Examples

Biology

Huntington's Disease

Geology

Volcanic Eruptions

Psychology

The LOst Mariner

Sociology

Social Isolation Of A Child

Strengths

observe behavior

studying nature

Examples

Biology

Can Raptors hunt in packs

Geology

Eruption Of St. Helens

Psychology

Sex Differences in childer's risk taking

Sociology

Bumper Sticker and the cops

Description

Nonexperimental

observes phenomena

Limitations

Not explanatory

uncontrolled conditions

Described, not explained.

Take Time

Coding Results

Limitations

Only for practicle

Artificial Conditions

Examples

Biology

Location of Birds' Memory

Geology

The Building Blocks of Life

Psychology

Effects of Post-event Information on Memory

Sociology

Women's prejudice against women

Description

Manipulates Variable

Controlled condition

Observe causes

Strengths

One Independent variable

control other variables

Controlled Procedure

Description

Nonexperimental

Mathematical Technique

Measuring Behavior

Strengths

Prediction

No Direct relation between Variables

Limitations

unproven causation

Systematic relation

Examples

Biology

The Canadian Lynx and the Snowshoe Hare

Geology

Shorter Days in the Geologic Past

Psychology

Risk Factors for substance abuse

Sociology

Parents/Violent Behavior