Beh/225 Appendix B

Naturalistic Observation

Appendix B

Research Methods Matrix

A psychologist is planning to conduct a study that would examine pathological liars and the quality of their romantic relationships. You have been asked to provide the psychologist with a recommendation for which research method should be used to gather data on the pathological liars and their spouses.

Using the table below list each research method and its advantages and disadvantages for use in this study.

Research Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |

Naturalistic Observation | This form of research catches the subject spontaneously and allows the researcher to get a better idea of what is going on. This is better than working in a lab. | The disadvantage of this is that in naturalistic observation, you have to view the subjects doing what they are doing and you cannot ask them to stop in order to analyze their behavior. |

Case studies | The advantage of case studies is that the researcher can view more than one subject at a time. | The disadvantages of case studies are that each individual is different and the researcher cannot determine their cases from other people in the same case study. Therefore, the researcher cannot draw a conclusion from case studies. |

Surveys | Surveys are a great way for a researcher to gain insight on what the majority of subjects think about various issues. The greatest advantages are they are cost efficient and give the researchers more insight into the subject in less time than talking to everyone individually. | Surveys may have disadvantages due to some people may give dishonest answers and the answers are opinionated and have different meanings. |

Correlational Research | This type of research can be a great way to research individuals by giving them variables that they want answered and can be examined for accuracy to allow the researcher to see if the subject is right for the position. | This method is hard for the researchers to draw a...