IB Psychology/Research Methodology


The Research Methodology section looks at the ways in which psychological investigations take place. Only students who do HL Psychology have to do research methodology.

Research Methodology

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Theory and Practice in Qualitative Research
TPQR1: Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.
TPQR2: Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research.
TPQR3: To what extent can findings be generalised from qualitative studies?
TPQR4: Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research.
TPQR5: Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research.
TPQR6: Explain effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research.
TPQR7: Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research.
TPQR8: Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research.
TPQR9: Explain reflexivity in qualitative research.
Interviews
I1: Evaluate semi-structured, focus group and narrative interviews.
I2: Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview.
I3: Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis (thematic analysis) on interview transcripts.
Observations
O1: Evaluate participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations.
O2: Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation.
O3: Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research.
Case Studies
CS1: Evaluate the use of case studies in research.
CS2: Explain how a case study could be used to investigate a problem in an organisation or group
CS3: Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalised from a single case study.