# Types of research method

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-rm-types-of-research-method/

Differentiate between the different types of research methods.

## Learning objectives

- Differentiate between the different types of research methods.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P2 past papers (2019–2025): **Types of research method** appears **22 times** in the last 7 years — **4.2%** of all P2 questions (22 of 288).

Most-tested forms: Essay: Discuss (22 marks) (13), Paper 3: research methods (3–6 marks) (5), Essay: Evaluate (22 marks) (2), SAQ: Describe (9 marks) (2).

## Core concept

Research methods fall into two broad families. Experimental methods manipulate an independent variable while controlling others, so they can support cause-and-effect claims — true/laboratory, field, quasi- and natural experiments differ in how much is controlled and where. Non-experimental methods — correlational studies, case studies, naturalistic observations, interviews and surveys — describe or relate variables without manipulation, trading causal power for realism or depth. Knowing the family tells you what kind of conclusion a study can and cannot support.

## Key studies

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

**Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961)** — Children who watched an aggressive model imitated its aggression toward a Bobo doll, unlike controls. — *An EXPERIMENT — a manipulated model plus a control condition — so it can argue that observation caused the imitation.*

**Rosenquist, Fowler & Christakis (2011)** — Depressive symptoms were correlated between individuals up to three degrees apart in a social network. — *A CORRELATIONAL (non-experimental) study — it establishes a relationship but, without manipulation, cannot show the network causes the spread.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — the method signals the claim** — Classifying a study places clear limits on its conclusions (experimental = possible cause, correlational = relationship only), which is the first step in evaluating it.

**Limitation — boundaries blur** — Quasi- and natural experiments lack full random allocation, and field studies mix features, so the label alone does not settle how much control a study really had.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> The families of method and what they can conclude; matching one to an aim is RM_12 and weighing trade-offs is RM_13.

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** Any study with a comparison is 'an experiment', and all experiments are alike.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: A true/laboratory experiment manipulates an IV under control; field and quasi-experiments differ and are not interchangeable with it. Identify the specific method, not just 'experiment', and give the required number of characteristics.

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