This document summarizes and compares different research methods in psychology: laboratory experiments, quasi-experiments, field experiments, correlation research, observation, interviews, and questionnaires. It outlines the key features of each method, including their strengths and weaknesses, and provides brief examples of studies that have used each approach.

1. A2 Psychology OCR G544
Laboratory Quasi
What is it? What is it?
An experiment which is conducted under highly controlled conditions. An experiment where the independent variable is not manipulated by
The variable which is being manipulated by the researcher is called the experimenter but occurs naturally.
the independent variable and the dependent variable is the change in These experiments are often called natural experiments.
behaviour measured by the researcher.
Strengths
Strengths Allows research to be carried out where it would be unethical to
Manipulation of IV indicates cause and effect relationship manipulate the Independent Variable manually
Increased control and accurate measurement
Standardised procedure = replication is possible Weaknesses
It is difficult to control your experimental conditions because you are
Weaknesses not able to manipulate things yourself
Total control over all variables is not possible the risk that a quasi-experiment becomes a correlational study if it is
Artificial conditions may produce unnatural behaviour that lacks not very aptly designed
ecological validity
Results likely to be biased by sampling, demand characteristics, Studies
experimenter expectancy Savage-Rambaugh
May raise ethical problems of deception
Studies
Loftus & Palmer
Gaab et al
Approaches & Research Methods Page 1

2. A2 Psychology OCR G544
Field Correlation
What is it? What is it?
The application of a psychological research in the ‘real world’ Statistical analysis used to quantify the strength of relationship
Participants are usually not aware that they are taking part in an between two variables
experiment
The IV is still manipulated Strengths
Calculates the strength of relationships between two variables
Strengths Useful as a pointer for further more detailed research
People may behave more realistically – therefore higher realism
Easier to generalise results to the wider population Weaknesses
Cannot assume cause and effect, strong correlation between
Weaknesses variables may be misleading
Often only weak control of extraneous variables – difficult to replicate Lack of correlation many not mean there is no relationship, it could
Can be time consuming and costly be non-linear
Studies Studies
Piliavin Becker et al.
Approaches & Research Methods Page 2

3. A2 Psychology OCR G544
Observation Interview
What is it? What is it?
Watching the behaviour of humans in a natural environment Face to face conversations that can be unstructured or structured –
Researcher does not manipulate variables and does not interfere dependent on situation
Interviews are recorded for later in depth analysis
Strengths
More natural behaviour occurs if people are unaware of observation Strengths
study of situations cannot be artificially set up Detailed information can be obtained and avoids oversimplifying
complex issues
Weaknesses Greater attention to individual’s point of view – important in clinical
observer may affect behaviour if detected psychology
difficult to replicate – cannot control extraneous variables Unstructured, causal interviews may encourage openness in answers
need for more than one observer
Weaknesses
Studies Difficult to analyse if unstructured and qualitative in nature
Rosenhan Time consuming and expensive
Reicher & Haslam Possible interviewer effects.
Savage - Rambaugh
Studies
Becker
Approaches & Research Methods Page 3

4. A2 Psychology OCR G544
Questionnaire
What is it?
The use of closed and open questions to gain insight into what a
person is thinking
Strengths
Many people can be tested quickly. Easy to generate quantitative
data and easy to analyse
Used to collect large amounts of data about what people think as well
as what they do
Convenient – researcher does not need to be present as answers can
be mailed so respondent has time to consider answers
Can quickly show changes in attitudes ore behaviour before and after
specific events
Weaknesses
Social desirability – people say what they think looks good
People may not tell the truth, especially on sensitive issues
If researcher is present then this may affect answers. Postal surveys
may also have a low response rate
Difficult to phrase questions clearly, may obtain different
interpretations of questions
Studies
Approaches & Research Methods Page 4