Paper 3
Quasi-experiment. This is a research method that has an IV that predetermines which condition of the IV participant are placed into. Whilst it maintain other features of an experiment such as having high control and a measurable DV, the experimenter does not have as much control over participant variables.
What is the research method used and outline two characteristics?
Volunteer sampling - this is where the experimenters seek volunteers to participate in studies. In this study volunteers were found when the researchers posted in the common areas of a university campus. Volunteer sampling can be less representative of the target population than other methods.
Describe the sampling method used in the study.
Interview. By interviewing participants you would get greater insight into why they made the choices they made and would be able to ask follow up questions to further understanding.
Suggest an alternative or additional research method giving one reason for your choice
3, 3, 3
How many marks is question 1a, 1b and 1c worth?
In this study, the researchers gained consent by asking participants to agree to participate but as they did not gain fully informed consent, they did actually deceive the participants by telling them that the study was about something other than the focus. Additionally, all participants had their anonymity protected.
Describe the ethical considerations that were applied in the study...
As the researchers deceived the participants, it is important that all participants are debriefed. Additionally, they should have the outcomes of their data shared with them and be given the right to withdraw. The nature of this research is also based around a traumatic response so it is important to ensure that all participants are safe and well to ensure they were not exposed to undue stress or harm.
...and explain if further ethical considerations could be considered.
The researchers clearly considered reflexivity in their research as they ensured they themselves did not carry out the observations but instead got other researchers to do this - they are used observer triangulation to ensure that their own biases did not affect the treatment of the participants or outcome of the research. Further they enabled participants with the opportunity to read the conclusions and provide feedback on their data giving them the right to withdraw their data or challenge anything that would have not provided sound and valid methodology.
Describe the ethical issues in reporting the results...
They must ensure that they do not make sweeping generalizations about a vulnerable group as this could evoke negative responses in the media. They should ensure all participants are fully debriefed on the aims and intentions behind the research to correct the deception that took place in the study. Finally they must make sure that all sensitive personal information is handled in a way that maintains confidentiality for the people involved.
...and explain additional ethical considerations that could be taken into account when applying the findings.
Sample to population, case to case possible biases, representativeness, rich/thick/descriptions
Discuss the possibility of generalizing/transferring the findings? Qualitative data
Validity, sample, control.
Discuss the possibility of generalizing/transferring the findings of the study (Quantitative)
Triangulation, establishing a rapport, iterative questioning, reflexivity, credibility checks, thick descriptions
Discuss how a researcher could ensure that the results of the study are credible (qualitative)
validity - population, construct and ecological, bias.
Discuss how a researcher could ensure the results of the study are credible (quantitative)
participant (social desirability, dominant respondent, sensitivity) vs researcher bias (confirmation, leading qs, question order, sampling bias, biased reporting)
Discuss how the researcher in the study could avoid bias (qualitative)
threats in internal validity, researcher bias, sampling, demand characteristics.
Discuss how the researcher in the study could avoid bias (quantitative)
Focus on the question
Knowledge of approaches to research
Application to the scenario
Analysis of strengths/limitations
What skills does question 3 assess?
3+3
How many marks is question 2 worth?