8.) Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at BLOA
This isn't a very complex question, but it should have enough material if you really need to write about it for one of your short essay questions.
Different research methods to touch on, as well as their limitations (shown in white):
* Experiments - show cause and effect
Three different types:
* Naturalistic Observation - has the highest ecological validity, but complete lack of control
* Case Studies - use info gathered from wide range of sources regarding the one subject (interviews/observations), relied on to examine special cases, allow the gathering of detailed data that might not otherwise be available, but can not be representative of a larger group
Different research methods to touch on, as well as their limitations (shown in white):
* Experiments - show cause and effect
Three different types:
- Lab Experiments - help clarify theories, mainly use animals, and are supposed to be artificial, therefore lack ecological validity
- Quasi-Experiments - used when researchers can't assign people to conditions, often used for cross-cultural research or comparing genders, but does not have the level of control over conditions as the lab experiments
- Field Experiments - test conditions in natural environment, so usually contain ecological validity, but don't have as much control
* Naturalistic Observation - has the highest ecological validity, but complete lack of control
* Case Studies - use info gathered from wide range of sources regarding the one subject (interviews/observations), relied on to examine special cases, allow the gathering of detailed data that might not otherwise be available, but can not be representative of a larger group