- Define and explain the following various psychology research methods and their advantages and disadvantages. Cite the page number/s in the text book where you found the answer for each (a-e)
a. Define: Experimental Research method its advantages and disadvantages
b. Define: Correlational Research method its advantages and disadvantages
c. Define: Quasi-experimental Research method its advantages and disadvantages
d. Define: Clinical Method Research its advantages and disadvantages
e. Define Psychology
- Describe the two (2) historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology. Cite the page number/s where you found your answer.
- Describe two (2) of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology. Cite the page number/s where you found your answer.
Full Answer Section
Advantages:
- Allows for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships
- High degree of control over variables
Disadvantages:
- Can be artificial and not reflect real-world situations
- Ethical considerations can limit the types of experiments that can be conducted
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 222)
b. Correlational Research Method
Definition: Correlational research is a type of research method in which the researcher examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. This method allows for the identification of relationships between variables, but it cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Advantages:
- Can be used to study variables that cannot be manipulated ethically or practically
- Can provide insights into relationships between variables that may not be obvious
Disadvantages:
- Cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships
- Third-variable problem can obscure the true relationship between variables
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 234)
c. Quasi-Experimental Research Method
Definition: Quasi-experimental research is a type of research method that falls between experimental and correlational research. It does not involve the random assignment of participants to groups, but it does allow for some control over the independent variable.
Advantages:
- Allows for some control over the independent variable
- More realistic than experimental research in some cases
Disadvantages:
- Does not involve random assignment of participants, so it cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships as strongly as experimental research
- Third-variable problem can still be a concern
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 244)
d. Clinical Research Method
Definition: Clinical research is a type of research method that involves the in-depth study of individual cases. This method can provide rich insights into individual experiences, but it cannot be used to generalize results to a wider population.
Advantages:
- Can provide rich insights into individual experiences
- Can be used to study rare or unusual phenomena
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be used to generalize results to a wider population
- Can be biased by the researcher's own experiences and biases
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 252)
e. Psychology
Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It encompasses a wide range of subfields, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and personality psychology.
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 2)
2. Historical Influences and Early Schools of Thought
a. Structuralism
Structuralism was one of the first major schools of thought in psychology. It was founded by Wilhelm Wundt, and it focused on the basic elements of consciousness, such as sensations and perceptions. Structuralists used techniques such as introspection to study these elements.
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 15)
b. Functionalism
Functionalism was another early school of thought in psychology. It was founded by William James, and it focused on the function of consciousness. Functionalists believed that consciousness is adaptive and helps us to survive and thrive in our environment.
(Source: Myers, DeWall, & Zeh, 2020, p. 17)
3. Prominent Perspectives and Approaches
a. Biological Perspective
The biological perspective is a broad perspective that looks at how the brain and body influence behavior. It includes subfields such as neuroscience, behavioral genetics, and psychopharmacology