Introduction
Case Studies
Observational Studies
Tests
Surveys
Descriptive methods allow a researcher to describe and predict behaivor.
Introduction
A detailed descrption of a particular individual that gives us insight into a person's behavior
Glossary
Key Concepts Explained
Benefits
- Case studies can produce a more detailed picture of principles and individuals than other methods.
- Can be used as a source of hypotheses.
Drawback
- The person who is the focus of a case study may be unrepresentative of the people we are trying to understand in general.
- Not sufficient to choose one explanation for the cause of a behavior over another.
Activities
Links: Theodore John Kaczynski -- accused of being the Unabomber.
wwwlink: Theodore John Kaczynski Evil Man or Tortued Soul?
wwwlink: Psychiatric testimony at the trial.
Introduction
Researcher systematically observes, measures, and records behavior while not interfering with the subject's behavior.
Glossary
Key Concepts Explained
Naturalistic observation is used to find out how subjects behave in their natural environment.
Laboratory observation allows more control and special equipment.
Drawbacks:
- Presence of researchers and equipment may alter the subject's behavior.
- Observeration more useful for describing behavior rather than explaining it.
Activities
Links
wwwlink: Want to learn how to conduct naturalistic observations of preschoolers?
Introduction
Tests measure traits, emotional states, abilities and values.
Glossary
Key concepts explainedObjective tests measures beliefs, feelings, and behaviors of which we are aware; projective tests tap the unconscious.
Characteristics of a good test:
- Standardized
Uniform procedures for giving and scoring the test.
- Uses norms
Scoring is based on established standards and performance.
- Reliability
Like an accurate thermometer, the test must produce the same results from one time and place to another.
- Validity
The test must measure what it is suppose to measure.
Activities
Linkswwwlink: Debate over the usefulness of standardized tests like the SAT.
Introduction
Questionnaires or interviews that ask about attitudes, opinions and experiences.
Glossary
Key concepts explained
A key issue is selecting a representative sample.Survey a group of subjects that is representative of the larger population of interest.
Problems
- Volunteer bias- those who volunteer for a survey may differ from those who don't. This produces an unrepresentative sample.
- People sometimes misinterpret questions or may even lie a little.
- How the question is asked may produce the result the researcher is looking for.
Activities
Linkswwwlink: Would you like to know how to write questionnaires?