PSYC 140 Module 2:PSYC 140 Module 2 Study Guide: Latest Updated Solution

Types of Research This module will discuss two types of beginnings: how we begin obtaining knowledge in lifespan development and the beginning of a human life. Watch the video below as you study the material in this module. Longitudinal Study Design Research in lifespan development is similar to research conducted with human subjects in other fields. However, studies in human development are likely to use a longitudinal study design. This type of design involves following individuals over a long period of time with multiple assessment points. For example, children can participate in a longitudinal study in which they are asked about their social groups at age 10, 13, and 15. Think about it: What are the advantages of using a longitudinal design? What are the disadvantages? Write down or type out your answers, and then read on. A longitudinal design enables researchers to tease out whether a phenomenon is due to developmental change (the person becoming older, more mature, etc.) or something inherent in the individual. It can also explore what qualities change over time and what qualities remain stable. However, the longer the study, the more time and resources are needed. Also, it is difficult for people to commit multiple years (or decades) of their lives to a single study. Cross-Sectional Study A cross-sectional study, on the other hand, compares different age groups at the same time. For instance, this study design would include three groups of children and teens who are asked about their social groups. The groups are compared to each other. Since the children are not followed over time, this design doesn’t adequately observe how the children developed---it simply examines how they are currently. Yet, this design is certainly more time-efficient than a longitudinal study, and participants may be less likely to drop out of the study. These two overall study designs can also be combined to great advantage. There are also two types of approaches that must be chosen in addition to the research methods. For example, a researcher might choose a longitudinal experimental design or a crosssectional survey design. 1. Naturalis c Observa on Naturalistic observation is a research method that involves observing a research subject outside of a research setting and in a more natural location. For example, Jean Piaget routinely observed