So, it’s been a while since anything new appeared on this blog. Here is a recap for both courses – the Combi Course especially – who are now into assignments big-time.
Combi Course should now be finishing off Assignment 4 and really getting into Assignment 5. If you haven’t already realised, the Full Psychology groups will have already completed these. What’s more, the same advice given to them applies – so here are links to the earlier posts to help you. The Assignment 5 essay advice needs sound to run it.
Assignment 10 is now in the frame. Just when you thought all the stress of presentation week was over, Jeff goes and dumps Assignment 10 on you. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to come to the advice sessions, so here are some hints.
Assignment 10 is a bringing together of the research methods unit. You’ve already done Assignments 1 and 2. (Combi ought to to read this as well!) This time, you are looking at real research that you have studied and become familiar with. Assignment 10 asks you to choose some and evaluate the methods used. You need to find some examples of the research, and I can see that might be a problem. Life’s full of little problems I guess. Have a glass of wine. It won't solve the problems, but it makes them a bit more manageable!
Here are examples of the research methods in action!
- Correlation: Bowlby 44 thieves perhaps? (Which two variables are related? Might it be separation and later delinquency?)
- Experiment: Klaus & Kennell? (Is there an IV, a DV and an experimental design? If so, it’s an experiment most likely)
- Case Study: Doesn’t have to be one person, could be a small group. Bulldog Banks springs to mind, but there are others)
- Questionnaire/survey: Look closely at Thomas and Chess, and ask yourself, how did they get the information about temperament?
- Observation: I suspect Rosenhahn and colleagues had some observations to make when they were stuck in those insane places! What type of observational study was this? Participant or non-participant? Covert? This study is full of evaluative points.
- Longitudinal Studies: Most developmental studies. You might consider Tizard et al.
Remember – only THREE for the assignment! And remember – you should focus on evaluating the method itself – although obviously an evaluation of the research would not go unnoticed!
By the way, if you should need more help in evaluating the methods (and there is a fair amount in the class booklet) then look here in my website.
