RESEARCH METHODS AS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #30
In a different study, 150 children were classified as securely attached. Of these, 40%
were boys. How many of the 150 children were girls? Show your workings.
[2 marks] - correct answer 90.
The researcher collected quantitative data using the 'Strange Situation'. He then
decided to collect qualitative data by conducting interviews with some of the parents of
the infants.
Describe two differences between these types of data.
[4 marks] - correct answer Quantitative data involves numbers (number of boys and
girls), whereas qualitative data involves words, e.g. Quotes from the interview
Quantitative data can be measured objectively, whereas qualitative data is based on the
subjective interpretation of language
Quantitative data is immediately quantifiable, whereas qualitative data has to be
transformed and is only quantifiable if the data is put into categories and the frequency
is counted
The experiment used an independent groups design.
Explain how this study could have been modified by using a matched pairs design.
[4 marks] - correct answer The researcher needs to ensure that the two groups are
matched for key variables
Example of at least one key variable - any that might reasonably be expected to affect
memory in this situation, e.g. Eyesight, age, intelligence
All participants should be pre-tested/assessed for the key variable/variables
For each person in one condition, the researcher should assign a 'matched' person in
the other condition.
Explain how such observational research might be refined through the use of
behavioural categories.
[4 marks] - correct answer Behavioural categories allow observers to tally observations
into pre-arranged groupings
Examples of behavioural categories appropriate in this situation might be ......
, Using categories provides clear focus for the researcher
Categorisation enables proposal of a testable hypothesis
Categories allow for more objective/scientific data recording
Use of categories should result in greater reliability
Categories provide data that is easier to quantify/analyse
Contrast with method described in the stem (own interpretation is too
subjective/opinion-based).
Explain what is meant by 'overt observation'. [2 marks] - correct answer Where the
observer is clearly visible (not hidden from view), and people being observed know that
they are being observed.
The mode is one type of descriptive statistic.
Identify two other descriptive statistics that could be used to further analyse the data in
Table 1. In each case, explain how the descriptive statistics you have identified could be
calculated.
[4 marks] - correct answer Median could be calculated by arranging the scores in order
then choosing the numerical midpoint (between 5th and 6th score)
Range could be calculated by taking the lowest score from the highest (and adding 1)
Standard deviation could be calculated by using the distance of each score from the
mean (credit formula for SD)
Mean could be calculated by adding all the scores and dividing by the number of scores
(10).
A psychologist thinks that there may be a link between language ability and
institutionalisation. She tests the language skills of 8-year-old institutionalised children.
A high score on the test indicates good language ability and a low score on the test
indicates poor language ability. She also records the number of years that each child
has been institutionalised.
Which research method is the psychologist using in this study? Explain your answer.
[2 marks] - correct answer Correlation
She is investigating the (numerical) relationship between two co-variables
In a different study, 150 children were classified as securely attached. Of these, 40%
were boys. How many of the 150 children were girls? Show your workings.
[2 marks] - correct answer 90.
The researcher collected quantitative data using the 'Strange Situation'. He then
decided to collect qualitative data by conducting interviews with some of the parents of
the infants.
Describe two differences between these types of data.
[4 marks] - correct answer Quantitative data involves numbers (number of boys and
girls), whereas qualitative data involves words, e.g. Quotes from the interview
Quantitative data can be measured objectively, whereas qualitative data is based on the
subjective interpretation of language
Quantitative data is immediately quantifiable, whereas qualitative data has to be
transformed and is only quantifiable if the data is put into categories and the frequency
is counted
The experiment used an independent groups design.
Explain how this study could have been modified by using a matched pairs design.
[4 marks] - correct answer The researcher needs to ensure that the two groups are
matched for key variables
Example of at least one key variable - any that might reasonably be expected to affect
memory in this situation, e.g. Eyesight, age, intelligence
All participants should be pre-tested/assessed for the key variable/variables
For each person in one condition, the researcher should assign a 'matched' person in
the other condition.
Explain how such observational research might be refined through the use of
behavioural categories.
[4 marks] - correct answer Behavioural categories allow observers to tally observations
into pre-arranged groupings
Examples of behavioural categories appropriate in this situation might be ......
, Using categories provides clear focus for the researcher
Categorisation enables proposal of a testable hypothesis
Categories allow for more objective/scientific data recording
Use of categories should result in greater reliability
Categories provide data that is easier to quantify/analyse
Contrast with method described in the stem (own interpretation is too
subjective/opinion-based).
Explain what is meant by 'overt observation'. [2 marks] - correct answer Where the
observer is clearly visible (not hidden from view), and people being observed know that
they are being observed.
The mode is one type of descriptive statistic.
Identify two other descriptive statistics that could be used to further analyse the data in
Table 1. In each case, explain how the descriptive statistics you have identified could be
calculated.
[4 marks] - correct answer Median could be calculated by arranging the scores in order
then choosing the numerical midpoint (between 5th and 6th score)
Range could be calculated by taking the lowest score from the highest (and adding 1)
Standard deviation could be calculated by using the distance of each score from the
mean (credit formula for SD)
Mean could be calculated by adding all the scores and dividing by the number of scores
(10).
A psychologist thinks that there may be a link between language ability and
institutionalisation. She tests the language skills of 8-year-old institutionalised children.
A high score on the test indicates good language ability and a low score on the test
indicates poor language ability. She also records the number of years that each child
has been institutionalised.
Which research method is the psychologist using in this study? Explain your answer.
[2 marks] - correct answer Correlation
She is investigating the (numerical) relationship between two co-variables
