Learning theroies Research Methods

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Types of observation

Structured

carried out in an environment the researchers have control

record behaviours that world be difficult to do in naturalistic obsevations

Evaluate

numerical data can be gathered for infomation to be gained

more than one observer needed and they my need training for infomation to be interpreted consistantly and accuratly

coding systems used to easy to replicate

Non participant

observer is not part of the situation

Evaluate

limits the validity as it can lead to demand characteristics or participants

researcher can focus more on collecting data

Participant

the observer is also the participant

Evaluate

can be hard to record notes whilst taking part as well

a stranger is not there that would lead to demand characters or changes to behaviour due to unfamilarity

Overt

the person being observed is aware they are being observed

Evaluate

informed consent is given

have a right to withdraw

Covert

the person being observed is unaware that they are being observed

Evaluate

problematic on ethical grounds

reduces the chances of demand characteristics

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Animal Research

Definition

The use of non-human animals in psychological experiments to understand variables effecting behaviour.

Arguments for

researchers have a high degree of control compared to when humans are used/Better isolation of variables

pain and distress does not need to be completely avoided (skinner's box)

practical application such as drug treatments and surgical techniques

utilitarian argument suggest the suffering of a small amount of animals is justified if it helps as significant amount of people

Arguments Against

animal research findings cannot be generalised to human

utilitarian argument- human suffering is prioritised over animals (singer suggests is speciesism)

benefits of animal research is not known until after the study and if not benefical may mean the animal suffered for no good cause- utilitarian argument

not credible and lacks ecological validity- animal will produce unnatural behaviour