INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

Written By Rebecca Sylvia

SPECIFICATION:

Students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following research methods, scientific processes and techniques of data handling and analysis, be familiar with their use and be aware of their strengths and limitations.

  • The Experimental method.

  • Types of experiments: laboratory

  • Types of experiments: field experiments

  • Types of experiments: Natural experiments

  • Types of experiments: Quasi-experiments.

  • Experimental designs: repeated measures, independent groups, matched pairs.

  • The non-experimental method

  • Observational techniques. Types of observation: naturalistic and controlled observation, covert and overt observation, and participant and non-participant observation. Observational design: behavioural categories, event sampling, time sampling

  • Self-report techniques, questionnaires, and interviews, both structured and unstructured. Questionnaire construction, including open and closed questions; interview design.

  • Correlations. Analysis of the relationship between co-variables. The difference between correlations and experiments.

  • Discourse analysis

  • Thematic analysis

  • Content analysis: analysis and coding.

  • Case studies

SUMMING IT ALL UP

Rebecca Sylvia

I am a Londoner with over 30 years of experience teaching psychology at A-Level, IB, and undergraduate levels. Throughout my career, I’ve taught in more than 40 establishments across the UK and internationally, including Spain, Lithuania, and Cyprus. My teaching has been consistently recognised for its high success rates, and I’ve also worked as a consultant in education, supporting institutions in delivering exceptional psychology programmes.

I’ve written various psychology materials and articles, focusing on making complex concepts accessible to students and educators. In addition to teaching, I’ve published peer-reviewed research in the field of eating disorders.

My career began after earning a degree in Psychology and a master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience. Over the years, I’ve combined my academic foundation with hands-on teaching and leadership roles, including serving as Head of Social Sciences.

Outside of my professional life, I have two children and enjoy a variety of interests, including skiing, hiking, playing backgammon, and podcasting. These pursuits keep me curious, active, and grounded—qualities I bring into my teaching and consultancy work. My personal and professional goals include inspiring curiosity about human behaviour, supporting educators, and helping students achieve their full potential.

https://psychstory.co.uk
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THE EXPERIMENTAL METHOD