Research
Method
Description of the method
When is the method used?
Laboratory
experiment
A true experiment conducted in an
artificial environment, in which the
experimenter manipulates an IV and
measures the consequent changes in
a DV whilst carefully controlling
extraneous variables. Participants are
allocated to conditions by the
experimenter.
When looking for differences, comparisons
or cause and effect relationships. It must
be possible to actively change the levels of
the IV and record the DV accurately. It is
important that the behaviour is likely to be
relatively unaffected by a contrived
environment.
Field
experiment
A true experiment in which the
researcher manipulates an IV and
measures a DV in the natural setting
of the participants. Participants are
allocated to conditions by the
experimenter.
When looking for differences, comparisons
or cause and effect relationships. It must
be possible to actively change the levels of
the IV and record the DV accurately. It is
preferable when it is likely that behaviour
could be affected by a contrived/artificial
environment.
Natural
experiment
A study in which an experimenter
makes use of an existing change or
difference in situations to provide
levels of an IV and then measures the
DV in each condition. Participants
cannot be allocated to conditions so it
is not a true experiment.
When looking for differences or
comparisons between variables that
cannot be artificially controlled or
manipulated. Like gender, handedness, or
birth order
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Correlational
analysis
A technique used to investigate a link
between two measured variables.
When looking for relationships between
variables. Can be used when it is unethical
or impractical to artificially control or
manipulate variables. There must be two
variables that can be measured.
Observation
A technique in which the researcher
watches and records the behaviour of
participants. This can be either in a
situation that has been set up by the
researcher (controlled observation) or
in their own environment, for
example, in the normal place for the
activity being observed (naturalistic
observation). The participants may or
may not be aware of the presence of
the observer (and the observer may
or may not be a member of the group
or activity being observed).
Controlled observations are used to record
behaviours that require an artificial
situation, e.g when they are unlikely to
arise spontaneously. If behaviours are
unlikely to bge observable in an artificial
situation, for example, are only likely to
arise in real-life settings and/or social
situations, naturalistic observations are
used. The recording units must be
observable behaviours rather than inferred
states but may be variables that cannot be
measured by asking questions.
A self-report method used to obtain
data by asking participants to provide
information about themselves using
written questions.
When aiming to collect data about
opinions or attitudes from a large sample
and when the questions to be asked are
largely straightforward and the same for
every participant. Also if face-to-face
contact might reduce the response rate or
honesty.
Questionnaire
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Interview
A self-report method used to obtain
data by asking participants to provide
information about themselves by
replying verbally to questions asked
by an interviewer.
When aiming to collect data from
individuals using questions which may
require explanation or when the questions
may need to vary between participants.
Case study
A method which focuses on a single
instance – e.g. one person or one
family or institution – which is
explored in detail. Other methods are
used to gain a range of information,
for example, observations,
questionnaires and interviews. A
history of the participant is obtained
and this is related to their subsequent
development.
When varied, detailed data is required
from one participant, especially if they are
a rare or particularly interesting case. The
aim of a case study may be to report on,
investigate or help someone so the
outcomes are also varied.
Content
analysis
A method of indirect observation
which assesses the themes and
concepts expressed in communication
media such as transcribed speech or
the printed word. It could even be
used to evaluate TV shows or adverts.
It can produce qualitative or
quantitative data.
When researchers are interested in the
overt and hidden meanings and messages
present in communication. It can provide
a way to compare historical and current
trends, e.g. in gender stereotypes.
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