There are 3 basic research methods that social psychologists use to describe behaviors. Each of these have both strengths and weaknesses. The observational method is done by observing and collecting data which is then used to describe the behavior. The researcher observes the events in a natural setting so none of the variables are manipulated. There must be interjudge reliability, meaning that when different researchers administer the same test to the same subject they each must obtain the same measurement. The advantages in this method is that it is the simplest method, it has greater accuracy, and it is useful for setting up hypothesis. The weaknesses are that this method is hard to observe because of privacy and secrecy. It is great for explanation but not as good for prediction and description. The observer might also be biased being that he has his own opinion on what is right and wrong. The correlation method focuses on prediction. It is a statistical measure of two or more variables and the relation between them are assessed. The Correlation coefficient assesses how well you can predict one variable from another. A positive correlation is when the value of one variable increases it is associated with the increase of the other variable. For example height and weight, the more one grows the more he will weigh. A negative correlation is when the value of one variable increases it is associated with the decrease of the other variable. An example is that the
Case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observations are a few research methods used by psychologists to facilitate the understanding of behavior. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that are used in particular research scenarios. Techniques like observation or interactions between the researcher and the subject(s) such as extensive interviews to restrained experiments are what some research methods heavily rely on to be validated.
Social work has long recognized the relationship between the behavior of an individual and the environment in which the individual interacts (Hutchison, 2008). Human behavior theories offer a framework to organize, interpret and understand this relationship (Hutchison, 2008). For this case study, the following three theories will be examined for relevancy: Life cycle theory, role theory and resiliency theory.
Research methods are “the various specific tools or ways data can be collected and analysed, e.g. a questionnaire, interview, etc.” (Neville, C, 2007).
However, a correlation between two variables does not necessarily imply causation but for a causal relationship to exist between two variables there must be a correlation between the variables (Solomon W. Golomb, 2005). When predicting the Grade Point Averages, correlation might not be a good test for its prediction. This is because there is no GPA is not only influenced by intelligent quotient but it is also influenced by other external factors like Education background, family background, social and political environment among other factors. Other statistical tests may include the use of rating scales to rate qualities that cannot be directly rated through correlation by use of variables like good, fair, and excellent among others. Coefficient of correlation might also be used as a technique of predicting the Grade Point Averages. This refers to the main result of a correlation whereby it predicts significant and smaller changes among variables by use of scale r that ranges from +1.0 to -1.0.
Observational methods involve an investigator viewing users as they work and taking notes on the activity which takes place. Observation may be either direct, where the investigator is actually present during the task, or indirect, where the task is viewed by some other means such as through use of a video camera.
139). It is an assumed linear association between two variables that is quantified by a single statistical number. The correlation coefficient measures the strength of the association between the two variables, 0 means there is no correlation, 1 means there is a perfect positive correlation, -1 means there is a perfect negative correlation. "The sample correlation coefficient, denoted r, ranges between -1 and +1 and quantifies the direction and strength of the linear association between the two variables. The correlation between two variables can be positive (i.e., higher levels of one variable are associated with higher levels of the other) or negative (i.e., higher levels of one variable are associated with lower levels of the other) (bumc.bu.edu, 2013)." Correlation is the most appropriate because it is easy to calculate and easy to
"Correlation is a measure of association that tests whether a relationship exists between two variables. It indicates both the strength of the association and its direction (direct or inverse). The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, written as r, can describe a linear relationship between two variables" Correlation (n.d). As a human service professional and completing research there are advantages and disadvantages to correlational research methods, such as using correlational research it allows us to collect data and determine the strength and direction of what it is we
5. Positive and negative correlations show how close two factors are related. A positive correlation shows that the
Everyday people use social cognition as a tool to help them thrive in social world. There are many important aspects of social cognition that are helpful to us in making decisions and help us to interpret the world around us. An important aspect that is linked to social cognition is that of thought suppression. Thought suppression is when a person tries to force particular thoughts, memories or feelings out of their minds that may be unpleasant or may cause a great deal of stress for the individual. Many people are unaware how often we use thought suppression in our daily lives, but the truth is we use it in almost every aspect of our day.
Correlation decribes relationship between things that change together based upon some dependence. There are multiples examples of correlation. My power utility bills goes up a lot in winter. This is a negative correaltion for me as it makes me spend more and use more electricity to heat my apartment. Another example of correlation is how good nutrient from Myplate helps keep kids healthy nationwide. The daily value in nutrients, once taken properly help being healthy. This is a good correlation between health and food. one correlation can be positive for a group and be negative for another one. PBR is a brazilian stock for oil. When the barrel of oil cost around a $100 dollars investors are not happy of the price and the stock cost a lot.
Observational methods involve an investigator viewing users as they work and taking notes on the activity which takes place. Observation may be either direct, where the investigator is actually present during the task, or indirect, where the task is viewed by some other means such as through use of a video camera.
Positive correlation demonstrates the relationship between two variables or events. Therefore, if one variable increases the other variable will increase also. However, a positive correlation can exist if one variable is decreasing and the other variable is decreasing.
Six of the most popular sociological research methods (procedures) are the case study, survey, observational, correlational, experimental, and cross‐cultural methods, as well as working with information already available.
“Social influence is the process by which the actions of an individual or group affect the behavior of others” (Feldman 495). These influences are strongly experienced by members in the group. Every group is unique and is mostly guided by a particular norm and behavior. An individual in a group passively or actively allows himself to be influenced by the group just to have a sense of belongingness. In the bid to prevent being excluded or rejected from a group, some individuals overtly adhere to the norms of the group. “Thus, people conform to meet the expectations of the group” (Feldman 495).
Symbolic interaction offers a dramaturgical perspective of how people identify and create their social self through social interaction. Many social theorist studies social interaction/ self as a function to our society. In addition, microsociology develop the idea of applying social interaction on a smaller sample size within the society. Therefore, there were an increase in the study of human interaction and the self. Mead develop his idea through symbolic interaction and social psychology of the human mind. Simmel develop his idea through the perspective of symbolic interaction of urban sociology. Both sociologist focus on the inter social aspect of the human life.