IB Psychology HL : Qualitative research in psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology HL

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Qualitative Research In Psychology

The case of Phineas Gage enabled psychologists to study the effects of personality and behavior in relation to damage associated with his frontal lobe. Gage was injured when a rod pierced his skull and destroyed most of his left frontal lobe. Researchers studied Gage and noted changes in his behavior the occurred directly after and as a result of the incident. As a result, they concluded that the frontal lobe plays a key role in a person's behavior. This case is best categorized by which of the following methods of psychological research? 

Possible Answers:

None of these

Experiment

Survey

Participant observation

Case study

Correct answer:

Case study

Explanation:

Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

Example Question #2 : Qualitative Research In Psychology

The case of Phineas Gage enabled psychologists to study the effects of personality and behavior in relation to damage associated with his frontal lobe. Gage was injured when a rod pierced his skull and destroyed most of his left frontal lobe. Researchers studied Gage and noted changes in his behavior the occurred directly after and as a result of the incident. As a result, they concluded that the frontal lobe plays a key role in a person's behavior. This case is best categorized by which of the following methods of psychological research? 

Possible Answers:

Participant observation

None of these

Survey

Experiment

Case study

Correct answer:

Case study

Explanation:

Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

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