Research Methods

Standard - Apply appropriate types of research methods used by behavioral scientists to study human behavior, social groups, social issues and problems (BS 3.1) Type Experiment What is it? research in a controlled environment with attempt to keep outside influences to a minimum How is it used? To demonstrate a known truth or to validate a hypothesis in order to supports them. Advantages Experiment method is the most controlled method Variables can be changed accordingly Causes something to happen Can be inexpensive Provides direct access to the social event cost less Disadvantages Fake environment Does not work well with sociologica l research Limited number of variables studied Examples Asch Conformit y Milgram Experime nt

Observational one variable being manipulated and watched but isnt changed

http://www.amnesty .org.uk/uploads/doc uments/doc_19713. pdf

the presence of the observer may affect the behaviors of others less control

 harder to get exact data because of observer bias Case Study Case study is an in depth study of one person. Process of record in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation. -It is used to observe patterns and causes for behavior -Extends experience or adds strength to what is already known through previous research You will be able to see the differences and similarities in people allow a lot of detailed you wouldnt get before within the study, scientific experiments can be conducted Precision and comparability of answer Use of statistical techniques Information on large The way one person reacts may not be the way another person does Everyone thinks differently so it is hard to get accurate information Expensive due to large number Low response rate Phrasing

Survey

A survey is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals.

Surveys can be used to find out attitudes and reactions, to measure client satisfaction, to gauge opinions about various

Surveys are commonly used in psychology research to collect selfreport data from study participants. A survey may focus on factual information about individuals, or it might aim to collect the opinions of the survey takers.

issues, and to add credibility to your research. Surveys are a primary source of information -- that is, you directly ask someone for a response to a question, rather than using any secondary sources like written records.You can use surveys to measure ideas or opinions about community issues related to your initiative.

numbers of people Detailed analysis

questions introduces bias in favor of certain answeres Researche rs behavior can affect answers given

In the Milgram study, more than 50% went to the highest voltage. They knew that the authority was telling them to but also knew that they were physically hurting the person. Yet they still continued because someone told them to. Over 450 volts. But the lethal amount is 40.