Question

Describe research methods used in psychology by completing the following table. Then, select two of the research methods, and compare and contrast them. Your response must be at least 75 words.

Method	Purpose	Strengths	Weaknesses	Example
Case Study
Naturalistic Observation
Suveys
Longitudinal

Describe one ethical issue related to research. Why is informed consent necessary for ethical research?

Answer 1

Method	Purpose	Strengths	Weaknesses	Example
Case Study	In depth, multifaceted exploration of complex issues in the real life settings	Intensive study, based on evidence & data	Lack of reigour, Very little basis for scientific generalization since they use a small number of subjects. It is too long	study on criminals - give the exact data for the cause and remidy
Naturalistic Observation	viewing & recording the actions & behaviour under natural settings	Accurate data & Reliable	Time consuming, hidden attitudes can't be observed, personal bias	observing children behaviour
Suveys	Cllecting the information from a group of people about particular subject through sample	Cost effective, can be administered remotely, Large data can be collected	Lack of encouragement, lack of awareness, i appropriateness of questions	Census survey,
Longitudinal	Information is collected at different point in time in order to study changes over time	Rich information, good rapport, results more valied	Time consuming, people may drop over time	Opinion poll

Case study and survey both the methods are used to gather information. Case study refers to research in which a individual or group or a situation is studied, whre as survey is data is gathering from on entire population or a large sample in order to find the openion on a particular issue. Case study is a time consuming but survey is not. The case study provides accurate and descriptive data where has survey provides sample. The case atudies cannot be used to provide generalisation on an entire population since the sample of case study is usually limited to a single individula or a few individula, where has the survey data will lead to generalisation. There is a direct contact between researched and subjects in case study but it is not here in survey since the survey may conduct remotley.

Informed consent is the major ethical issue in the research. The researcher has to expalins the participants about the purpose of research, expected duration and procedures. it gives the option to participants whether they participate or not. It also helps the participants to control their behaviour so the result may dilute.