by Cathleene Filmore

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2010

Understanding the different types of scientific studies that psychologist's use is not difficult at all. In fact, once you learn the basic methodologies and a few terms it is easy to put into practice. While I probably practice Naturalistic Observation the most, my two favorite types of studies are Surveys and the Ex Post Facto. I love the survey method because of the challenge it presents and the practicality of it, while it is not the most reliable method, it is fun to try and come up with survey questions that will work. I also like the Ex Post Facto method. It seems more reliable than the Survey method and it could be just as practical.

Naturalistic Observation

Naturalistic Observation is a type of study that observes people in their environment in the setting and situation in which behaviors naturally occur (Myers & Hansen, 2006). For example, a researcher may observe a family at home or in a location that they normally frequent. While this type of study can help a researcher observe real behaviors, it does not tell the researcher why the behaviors are occurring and it is not always a practical type of research (Myers & Hansen, 2006).

Survey Research

Survey research is usually accomplished in the form of a questionnaire or scale. This type of research is simple to conduct and is relatively easy to find participants for, however if the researcher is not careful he or she can word the questions in a leading fashion (Myers & Hansen, 2006). This type of study is also very difficult to measure. Data that is collected can be flawed and participants do not always answer questions unbiased (Myers & Hansen, 2006).

Correlational Studies

Correlational Studies are designed to study the relationship between two events (Myers & Hansen, 2006). For example, a researcher may study the relationship between children's behavior and the time of day or the amount of sugar the child has eaten. These studies are often very difficult and time consuming to conduct. There are many variables that have to be eliminated. It is important not to confuse a correlational study with an experiment. A correlational study cannot prove cause and effect, it simply shows a relationship.

Ex Post Facto

The Ex Post Facto study is a type of study that falls somewhere between a correlational study and an experiment. In an Ex Post Facto study the researcher examines preexisting subject variables by forming groups based on the differences (Myers & Hansen, 2006). For example,

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