| Research Method | Goal of Method | How Data Are Collected |
|---|
| Laboratory observation | Description | Unobtrusively observe behavior in a laboratory setting |
| Naturalistic observation | Description | Unobtrusively observe behavior in its natural setting |
| Participant observation | Description | Observer becomes part of the group whose behavior is being observed |
| Case study | Description | Study an individual in depth over an extended period of time |
| Survey | Description | Representative sample of a group completes questionnaires or interviews to determine behavior, beliefs, and attitudes of the group |
| Correlational study | Prediction | Measure two variables to determine whether they are related |
| Experiment | Explanation | Manipulate one or more independent variables in a controlled setting to determine their impact on one or more measured dependent variables |