1. Cognitive Level of Analysis
Session 6:Research
methods at CLOA

2. Today’s learning outcome
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis

3. Task
Using your knowledge and the worksheets provided create a model answer spider diagram for the learning outcome
Remember this has to be
specific to the CLOA!

4. Introduction State what you are doing in the essay
This essay will attempt to offer a balanced review of how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis (CLA). 
Define the cognitive level of analysis 
The cognitive level of analysis (CLA) is based on mental processes such as perception, attention, language, memory, and thinking, which are carried out by the brain and guide our behaviour.
The CLA is involved in finding out how the human mind comes to know things about the world and how it uses this knowledge. 
Outline what is a research method? / What is the purpose of research methods in Psychology? 
Researchers need to have a method for collecting and analysing data.
There are many different/various methods researchers and psychologists use to conduct their studies.
Research methods are ways that researchers use and manipulate to conduct their studies. 

5. Introduction State (introduce) the research methods used at the CLA
In cognitive psychology, testable theories are developed about cognitive structures and processes which cannot be directly observed.
These theories are tested using research methods such as experiments and case studies. 
At the CLA, the methods of investigation undertaken by cognitive psychologists range from laboratory experiments and case studies. 
They have in common the aim of obtaining relevant information on mental processes used to acquire, store, retrieve and apply knowledge about the world. 
State what you are doing in the essay 
These will be further analysed in the body of the essay, looking at studies and how and why these research methods are used.

6. Body EXPERIMENTS Define what an experiment is?
What is the purpose of an experiment?
Experiments are used to determine the cause and effect relationship between two variables (independent (IV) and dependent (DV) variables).
Outline how experiments are used
Researchers manipulate the independent variable (IV) and measure the dependent variable (DV)
Attempt to control as many extraneous variables as possible to provide controlled conditions (laboratory experiments)
Experiments are considered a quantitative research method, however qualitative data may be collected as well
Types of experimental settings
There are three different types of experiments, which include a laboratory experiment, a natural (QUASI) experiment and a field experiment.
Outline why experiments are used
It is considered/perceived to be the most scientific research method 
Determines cause-effect relationship between two variables (IV & DV)
Outline experiments used in the CLA
Loftus & Palmer (1974) 
Craik & Tulving (1975) 
French & Richards (1993)

7. Body
CASE STUDIES
Introduce the next research method (case studies) and relate it within the context.
Like experiments, another key research method used frequently in the BLA is a case study.
Outline how case studies are used
In-depth study of an individual or small group
Because of this, case studies obtain information that may not be identifiable by using other research methods
Case studies are considered a qualitative research method, however quantitative data may be collected as well
They involve the use of a combination of several research methods such as interviews and observations
The conclusions are more valid than what may be gained from any of these research methods individually
Outline why case studies are used 
To obtain enriched (especially qualitative) data and information about mediating processes which could not be gained in any other way.
To study unusual psychological phenomena
Stimulates new research into an unusual phenomena 
To study a particular variable that cannot be produced in a laboratory. For example, due to ethical or financial restrictions.
To obtain other information they may not be able to get from other methods. 
Outline why case studies are not used limitations 
Researchers may develop more personal relationships with participants
 may result in subjective data or different behaviour of participants and researchers
Results of case studies are affected by the researcher's interpretations 
may be subjective and influenced by the researcher's beliefs, values, and opinions
May cost a lot of time, effort & money due to the amount of data and time of a case study
Cannot be replicated
Lacks population validity extent to which findings can be generalised to the whole population
Small participant sample 
Especially if study investigates a unique phenomenon 
Outline case studies used in the CLA
Milner “HM” (1966)

8. Conclusion
Research methods are methods used for collecting and analysing data. 
The type of research method used is dependent on the aim. 
At the CLA, the two main research methods used are experiments and case studies. 
Experiments
To determine a cause-effect relationship between two variables (IV & DV) 
Whereby an IV and DV may be manipulated.
Likewise, advantages and disadvantages of experiments depends on the type of experiment being conducted
There are three types: laboratory, field and natural/quasi experiments.
Case studies
In depth study of an individual or a small group; thus being able to collect enriched and detailed data.
Studies unusual psychological phenomena.
Considered to be a qualitative research method, but quantitative data may also be collected.
They involve the use of a combination of several research methods such as interviews and observations, which can aid in finding significant and relevant information in the study.

9. What is the Extended Essay?
An in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects
Intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity.
Provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice
Compulsory for all Diploma Programme students
Externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB
diploma
Presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words and
is the result of approximately 40
hours of work by the student

10. EE Assessment Objectives
1. plan and pursue a research project with intellectual initiative and insight 2. formulate a precise research question 3. gather and interpret material from sources appropriate to the research question 4. structure a reasoned argument in response to the research question on the basis of the material gathered 5. present their extended essay in a format appropriate to the subject, acknowledging sources in one of the established academic ways 6. use the terminology and language appropriate to the subject with skill and understanding 7. apply analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject, with an understanding of the implications and the context of their research.

11. So what are YOU going to write about?
Some of you may wish to chose a Psychology topic for your extended essay
This semester you will be having Google time on a Friday afternoon
This is contact time that is dedicated to independent psychology research of a Psychology topic of your choice
You will be asked to present your research informally each week
This can be include from a journal article, a newspaper clipping, a video or an brief explanation
It is my hope that by doing independent research you may find some inspiration for either your EE topic or your IA

12. Some links to Psychology Topics
Websites
Blogs
Videos