Research in psychology

Types Research used in psychology

Co-relational
Cross-sectional
longitudnal
Simple experiment

What Is Cross-Cross-Sectional Research?

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Definition:

Cross-sectional research is a research method often used in developmental psychology, but also utilized in many other areas including social science and education. This type of study utilizes different groups of people who differ in the variable of interest, but share other characteristics such as socioeconomic status, educational background and ethnicity.

For example, researchers studying developmental psychology may select groups of people who are remarkably similar in most areas, but differ only in age. By doing this, any differences between groups can presumably be attributed to age differences rather than to other variables.

While the design sounds relatively simple, finding participants who are very similar except in one specific variable can be difficult. Also, groups can be affected by cohort differences that arise from the particular experiences of a unique group of people. Individuals born in the same time period may share important historical experiences, while people born in a specific geographic region may share experiences limited solely to their physical location.

Cross-sectional research differs from a longitudinal research in that cross-sectional studies are designed to look at a variable at a particular point in time. While longitudinal studies involve taking multiple measures over an extended period of time, cross-sectional research is focused on finding relationships between variables at a specific point in time.

Browse the Psychology Dictionary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |_{References:

Gratton, C., & Jones, I. (2004). Research methods for sports studies. London: Routledge.

Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Time in research. Research Methods Knowledge Base. Web Center for Social Research Methods. http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/timedim.php}

Psychology Research Method

Co-Relational Reserach

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Correlational Studies

Psychology Research with Correlational Studies

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The Purpose of Correlational Studies:

Correlational studies are used to look for relationships between variables. There are three possible results of a correlational study: a positive correlation, a negative correlation, and no correlation. The correlation coefficient is a measure of correlation strength and can range from –1.00 to +1.00.

Positive Correlations: Both variables increase or decrease at the same time. A correlation coefficient close to +1.00 indicates a strong positive correlation.

Negative Correlations: Indicates that as the amount of one variable increases, the other decreases (and vice versa). A correlation coefficient close to -1.00 indicates a strong negative correlation.

No Correlation: Indicates no relationship between the two variables. A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no correlation.

Limitations of Correlational Studies:

While correlational studies can suggest that there is a relationship between two variables, they cannot prove that one variable causes a change in another variable. In other words, correlation does not equal causation. For example, a correlational study might suggest that there is a relationship between academic success and self-esteem, but it cannot show if academic success increases or decreases self-esteem. Other variables might play a role, including social relationships, cognitive abilities, personality, socio-economic status, and a myriad of other factors.

Types of Correlational Studies:

1. Naturalistic Observation

Naturalistic observation involves observing and recording the variables of interest in the natural environment without interference or manipulation by the experimenter.

Advantages of Naturalistic Observation:

Gives the experimenter the opportunity to view the variable of interest in a natural setting.
Can offer ideas for further research.
May be the only option if lab experimentation is not possible.

Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation:

Can be time consuming and expensive.
Does not allow for scientific control of variables.
Experimenters cannot control extraneous variables.
Subjects may be aware of the observer and may act differently as a result.

2. The Survey Method

Survey and questionnaires are one of the most common methods used in psychological research. In this method, a random sample of participants completes a survey, test, or questionnaire that relates to the variables of interest. Random sampling is a vital part of ensuring the generalizability of the survey results.

Advantages of the Survey Method:

It’s fast, cheap, and easy. Researchers can collect large amount of data in a relatively short amount of time.
More flexible than some other methods.

Disadvantages of the Survey Method:

Can be affected by an unrepresentative sample or poor survey questions.
Participants can affect the outcome. Some participants try to please the researcher, lie to make themselves look better, or have mistaken memories.

3. Archival Research

Archival research is performed by analyzing studies conducted by other researchers or by looking at historical patient records. For example, researchers recently analyzed the records of soldiers who served in the Civil War to learn more about PTSD ("The Irritable Heart").

Advantages of Archival Research:

The experimenter cannot introduce changes in participant behavior.
Enormous amounts of data provide a better view of trends, relationships, and outcomes.
Often less expensive than other study methods. Researchers can often access data through free archives or records databases.

Disadvantages of Archival Research:

The researchers have not control over how data was collected.
Important date may be missing from the records.
Previous research may be unreliable.

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Psychology SKV

Monday, December 12, 2011