Psychological Research Methods

1. Survey Methods
   1. Definition and purpose
      1. Understanding participants' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors
      2. Collecting data from a large population efficiently
      3. Identifying trends and patterns
   2. Types of surveys
      1. Cross-sectional surveys
         1. Snapshot of a population at a single point in time
         2. Used for prevalence studies and associational research
      2. Longitudinal surveys
         1. Follow the same subjects over time
         2. Capture changes and developments in trends
         3. Types: panel surveys, cohort surveys
      3. Descriptive surveys
         1. Focus on detailing characteristics of a population
         2. Used for demographic and behavioral studies
      4. Analytical surveys
         1. Explore relationships between different variables
         2. Often involve hypothesis testing
   3. Designing surveys
      1. Writing effective questions
         1. Clarity and simplicity
         2. Avoiding leading or biased questions
         3. Types of questions: open-ended, closed-ended, rating scales
      2. Scaling responses
         1. Likert scales for measuring attitudes
         2. Semantic differential scales for measuring connotative meaning
         3. Binary scales (e.g., yes/no, true/false)
      3. Sampling techniques
         1. Probability sampling (random, stratified, cluster)
         2. Non-probability sampling (convenience, quota, purposive)
         3. Determining sample size for reliable and valid results
   4. Data collection methods
      1. Online surveys
         1. Advantages: cost-effectiveness, broad reach, quick responses
         2. Limitations: potential technical issues, sampling bias
      2. Telephone surveys
         1. High response rates, personal interaction
         2. Limitations: higher costs, potential for interviewer bias
      3. Face-to-face interviews
         1. Depth of information, non-verbal cues observed
         2. Limitations: time-consuming, geographical limitations
      4. Mail surveys
         1. Reach individuals without internet access
         2. Limitations: low response rates, longer timeframes
      5. Mixed-mode surveys
         1. Combining various methods to enhance response rates and data quality
   5. Advantages
      1. Cost-effective for large sample sizes
      2. Flexible in structure and distribution
      3. Allows for anonymity, encouraging honest responses
      4. Provides quantitative and qualitative data
   6. Limitations
      1. Potential for low response rates and non-response bias
      2. Difficulties in designing unbiased, clear questions
      3. Limited depth due to question structure and format
      4. Self-report data susceptible to social desirability bias
   7. Ethical considerations
      1. Ensuring informed consent and voluntary participation
      2. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality of responses
      3. Transparency in purpose and use of data
      4. Avoiding questions that may cause distress or discomfort