# Choosing the right method

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-rm-choosing-the-right-method/

The appropriate selection of research methodology to investigate a psychological question.

## Learning objectives

- The appropriate selection of research methodology to investigate a psychological question.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P3 past papers (2019–2025): **Choosing the right method** appears **5 times** in the last 7 years — **20%** of all P3 questions (5 of 25).

Most-tested forms: Paper 3: research methods (3–6 marks) (5).

## Core concept

Selecting a methodology means matching the method to the research aim and question. If the aim is to establish cause, an experiment fits; to study a rare or unique case in depth, a case study fits; to capture behaviour in its natural setting, an observation fits; to measure a relationship at scale, a correlational survey fits. A method is 'appropriate' only if it can actually measure the behaviour in question — and can do so ethically and practically.

## Key studies

IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:

**Scoville & Milner (1957)** — The in-depth case study of H.M. after hippocampal surgery revealed intact procedural memory alongside severe anterograde amnesia. — *The RIGHT method for the aim — a unique, unrepeatable brain-damage case demands the depth of a case study, where an experiment would be impossible and unethical.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — fit determines usefulness** — A well-matched method yields data that answer the question; the choice, not the effort, often decides whether a study can succeed.

**Limitation — constraints force compromise** — The ideal method may be unethical, impractical or impossible (you cannot experimentally lesion a human brain), so researchers accept trade-offs that limit conclusions.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> Matching method to aim; the method families are RM_11 and their generic trade-offs RM_13.

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** A prestigious or familiar method (an experiment, or a case study) is a good choice for any aim.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: Judge fit to the AIM: a case study suits a unique individual but not a behaviour done by millions; an observation cannot measure internal states like recall. Choose the method that can actually answer the question, and say WHY.

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