Psychology-Research Methods - Essay Example

36). Experimaents are used to establish a relationship between two variables, and show the direction of causality between the two variables. Quasi-Experimental. A method used “when [the researcher] can exert some, but not complete, control over important variables” (Zechmeister et al., 2009, p. 38). Like experiments, quasi-experimental attempt to establish cause-and-effect relationship with a less tighter control of the environment. Single case. A method “often used in the context of clinical psychology, in which the psychologist wishes to describe, predict, understand, and treat the problems faced by a client” (Zechmeister et al., 2009, p. 38).

This method attempts to explain and change the behavior of a single participant or patient. The results of a single case study can be applied to a limited number of other participants. Methods, Rationale, and Usage Case 1. Since the researcher was trying to change the behavior of a mentally impaired 8-year old girl by quantifying observations and introducing interventions, this study, I think, utilized the single case design. The aim of a single case design is to gain a deep understanding of a research subject/participant in order to explain and treat his/her behavior (Zechmeister et al., 2009). In Case 1, the researcher introduced an intervention to treat the spoon banging behavior of the subject.

Detailed observations were then recorded to predict and analyze if the intervention was effective. The researcher recorded observations before, during, and after the intervention which showed the degree of control exerted by the researcher in this study. The researcher concluded that this treatment was effective and, therefore, like any successful single case studies, suggested that this treatment can be used in other patients. Case 2. Since the team of researchers was trying to describe gender differences in need for affiliation by observing and recording the behavior of students in a cafeteria, this study, I believe, utilized the observational research design.

The purpose of observation is to portray a complete description of a behavior in a given situation (Zechmeister et al., 2009). In Case 2, the researchers provided detailed observations of incoming students in a cafeteria to describe the tendency of males and females to seek affiliation through the company of others. College students comprised the sample, and the variable of interest to be measured is the need for affiliation. When students entered the cafeteria, the researchers recorded students’ gender and whether they are alone or accompanied by others.

These detailed observations are then analyzed in order to describe gender differences in need for affiliation. Case 3. Since the researcher was attempting to show which of the two approaches are more effective for small groups who are making decisions, this study, I think, utilized the experimental design. The principal aim of experiments is to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables (Zechmeister et al., 2009). In Case 3, the researcher introduced a competitive and a cooperative approach to groups of people and then measured the degree of satisfaction derived from using such approach.

Research participants were randomly assigned to different groups. The independent variable was the approach used, and the dependent variable was the satisfaction derived after the decision was made. The introduction of approach and the