There is a difference between a “true experiment” a “field experiment” and a “natural experiment”. These separate experimental methods are commonly used in psychological research and they each have their strengths and limitations. True Experiments A true experiment is one where: the researcher has controlled for the influence of extraneous variables (i.e. factors that may potentially become confounding variables) and… …
The Jigsaw Classroom: An effective strategy to reduce violence?
Jigsaw Classroom to Reduce Violence Sherif’s Realistic Conflict Theory What is goal interdependence? What did Sherif do to reduce conflict between the groups? In the Robber’s Cave Experiment, Sherif and his colleagues divided boys into two groups and encouraged competition between the two. To test under what circumstances the stereotypes and conflict between the groups (Eagles and Rattlers) could be …
Lesson Idea: Identifying Sampling MethodsA quick and easy activity to help students learn different sampling methods.
Updated Nov 2019. Understanding sampling methods by just reading definitions can be difficult. The best way to learn about them is to see them in action. The following simple activity has been designed to help. What you need to know… Here are four of the common sampling methods used in quantitative research. You need to know what these mean and …
Lesson Idea: Understanding observational studies
Understanding how psychologists conduct observational studies is a key part to learning about research methodology. Observations are especially common in qualitative research. The following lesson is designed to get students to understand the different types of observation methods. Activity Here are some very brief summaries of real studies that have been carried out using observational methods. Work with a partner …
Qualitative v QuantitativeWhat's the difference?
Psychologists seek to understand the human mind and behaviour. Traditionally, the most common way of doing this was through experimentation. This is because in the 20th century psychologists wanted to adopt a more scientific approach to understanding human cognition and behaviour. But it’s not the only way. In fact, it’s quite limited. In this post, we’ll look at the two …
Mass Shootings in the US: The Case of Charles Whitman
When I was a high school student the Columbine Shooting in Colorada, USA made worldwide headlines. It was a terrible tragedy and one I could never imagine happening, or happening again. Sadly, incidents of mass shootings in the United States seem to be a regular occurrence. Why? Why have there been more deaths in the US by domestic gun violence in …