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Research Methods in Psychology Studies

May 7, 2025

Brain & Behaviour

Draganski (2004) - Laboratory Experiment

  • Characteristics:
    • High control over extraneous variables
    • Standardized procedures
    • Often in artificial settings
  • Strengths:
    • Establishes cause-and-effect relationships
    • High reliability due to standardized procedures
  • Weaknesses:
    • Low ecological validity
    • Potential for demand characteristics and experimenter effects
  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Controlled Environment:
      • Use of MRI scans for objective brain measurements
      • Consistent juggling practice across participants
    2. Repeated Measures Design:
      • MRI scans before, during, and after juggling practice
    3. Random Assignment (partially):
      • Sample mostly females, limiting generalizability

Milner (1966) - Case Study

  • Characteristics:
    • In-depth investigation of individuals or small groups
    • Longitudinal and qualitative data
  • Strengths:
    • Rich, detailed data
    • High ecological validity in natural settings
    • In-depth understanding of complex phenomena
  • Weaknesses:
    • Limited generalizability
    • Time-consuming and resource-intensive
    • Potential for researcher bias
  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Longitudinal Design:
      • Followed H.M. over many years
    2. Multiple Data Sources:
      • Observations, interviews, neuropsychological assessments
    3. In-depth Analysis:
      • Insights into hippocampus role in memory

Hormones and Pheromones

Romero et al. (2014) - Laboratory Experiment

  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Controlled Environment:
      • Minimized extraneous variables
    2. Quantitative Methods:
      • Measured urinary oxytocin and behavior
    3. Controlled Manipulation:
      • Dogs randomly assigned to oxytocin or placebo

Wedekind et al. (1995) - Natural Experiment

  • Characteristics:
    • Observes naturally occurring events
    • IV not manipulated
    • High ecological validity
  • Strengths:
    • High ecological validity
    • Study of ethically unmanipulable variables
  • Weaknesses:
    • Less control over variables
    • Cannot establish cause-and-effect
    • Difficult to replicate
  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Naturally Occurring IV:
      • Variations in MHC genotypes as IV
    2. Naturalistic Setting:
      • Smelling t-shirts to mirror real-life mate selection
    3. Observation of Preferences:
      • Based on MHC genotype variations

Genetics and Behaviour

Caspi et al. (2003) - Correlational Study

  • Characteristics:
    • Examines relationships between variables
    • Does not manipulate variables
    • No cause-and-effect establishment
  • Strengths:
    • Examines ethically unmanipulable variable relationships
    • Relatively inexpensive and quick
  • Weaknesses:
    • No cause-and-effect
    • Correlation does not mean causation
    • Potential confounding variables
  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Measurement of Variables:
      • Questionnaires or assessments for genetic predisposition, environment, and behaviour
    2. Correlation Analysis:
      • Statistical determination of relationship strength and direction
    3. Interpretation of Findings:
      • Correlation coefficients infer relationships

Kendler (2006) - Twin Study

  • Characteristics:
    • Compares concordance rates of twins
    • Estimates heritability
    • Relies on self-report and assessments
  • Strengths:
    • Estimates heritability
    • Identifies genetic behavior contributions
  • Weaknesses:
    • Assumes equal environments
    • Limited generalizability
    • Challenges in genetic/environmental disentanglement
  • Research Method Usage:
    1. Comparison of Twin Pairs:
      • Concordance rates in MZ and DZ twins
    2. Heritability Estimation:
      • Proportion of trait variance due to genetics
    3. Environmental Influence Assessment:
      • Differences in concordance rates suggest environmental influence