Descriptive Research Method

Description Case studies Examines one individual in depth Provides fruitful ideas Cannot be used to generalize Naturalistic observations Records behavior in natural environment Describes but does not explain behavior Can be revealing Surveys and interviews Examines many cases in less depth Wording effect Random sampling Utilizes random sampling of population for best results

Case study Descriptive technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles Naturalistic observation Descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to change or control the situation Survey Descriptive technique for obtaining the self- reported attitudes or behaviors of a group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of that group

Population All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn (Note: Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country’s whole population.) Random sample Sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

We cannot assume that case studies always reveal general principles that apply to all of us. Why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of naturalistic observation, such as the EARs study? What is an unrepresentative sample, and how do researchers avoid it?