University of Phoenix Material
Appendix B

Research Methods

List the advantages and disadvantages of the following research methods:

Research Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Case Study 1. Case study in psychology refers to the use of a descriptive research approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person, group, or phenomenon. A variety of techniques may be employed including personal interviews, direct-observation, psychometric tests, and archival records. . | Such detail not normally obtained by other studies, specific and rare cases, the development of original hypothesis used for later testing. | Collecting longitudinal case studies not always being useful, some non-scientific, one client and one subject could lead to a bias result and wrong data will bring different results than others, case-control needed but difficult to obtain. | Correlational MethodCorrelation is a statistical measurement of the relationship between two variables. Possible correlations range from +1 to –1. A zero correlation indicates that there is no relationship between the variables. A correlation of –1 indicates a perfect negative correlation, meaning that as one variable goes up, the other goes down. A correlation of +1 indicates a perfect positive correlation, meaning that both variables move in the same direction together. | More data than experiments- being more applicable to daily life opens up further research, correctional research helps provide a good start for other researchers to narrow down findings. | Does not provide a conclusive reason by only uncovering a relationship –does not reveal power over another variable and, a third variable might be causing both. | Experimental MethodExperimental psychology is an area of psychology that utilizes scientific methods to research the mind and behavior. While students are often required to take experimental