38 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
2-14
When studying people as the subject matter in research, these research methods are frequently used.
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Checkpoint
1. What is ethological theory?
2. What is ecological theory?
3. How can a person’s heredity infl uence some personality traits?
4. How can a person’s environment infl uence some personality traits?
Research Perspectives and Methods
Researchers use the scientific method to seek answers to questions about
human development. The scientific method starts by asking questions about
observed behaviors. Through these observations, a hypothesis, or possible answer,
is formulated. A hypothesis is similar to a prediction about something that can be
tested. Usually this is done by collecting data, or information, 2-14. For example,
surveys may be collected or observations made. The hypothesis can then be rejected
or supported. If the hypothesis appears to be supported, then the researcher forms a
theory about the cause or relationship between the observed behaviors. The theory
is then tested again and again using different situations and people.
There are many ways to collect data to test a hypothesis. One way is to col-
lect descriptive data. Descriptive studies use information that describe people
and situations such as their age, attitudes, or behaviors. You then simply count
the different responses. For example, how many 11-year-olds versus how many
18-year-olds think they should be getting allowance from their parents? How
many teen males were texting while involved in a car accident?
Common Research Gathering Methods
Method Description Advantages Disadvantages
Case study A case study outlines one
particular person or situation
and evaluates the response
within the scenario. These
situations can usually not be
repeated in another situation.
• Specialized situations can
provide specialized infor-
mation that may otherwise
be unavailable.
• Case studies are usually
atypical and not reflective
of a common situation.
Researchers must be
careful when generalizing
conclusions.
Interview The researcher has a pre-
pared set of questions to ask
the subject and engages in
direct communication.
• Information gathered is
directly from the subject.
• Emotional and physical
responses can also be
observed.
• Questions can be inten-
tionally or unintentionally
biased.
• Subjects may respond to
the interviewer with “the
right answer,” or what they
suspect the interviewer
may want to hear.
• Subjects may not be com-
fortable discussing topics
with the interviewer.