IB Psychology HL - CLOA - How and Why Particular Research Methods are Used in CLOA
At the Cognitive Level of Analysis, researchers use experimental studies to test hypotheses under controlled conditions, ensuring scientific rigor. They also employ neurophysiological methods like brain imaging to observe brain activity during cognitive tasks, and computer modeling to simulate and understand cognitive processes.
research methods used in CLOA
experimental studies (using scientific method)
neurophysiological studies (e.g. brain imaging)
other methods: computer modelling of cognitive theories
Key Terms
research methods used in CLOA
experimental studies (using scientific method)
neurophysiological studies (e.g. brain imaging)
other methods: computer modelling of cog...
experimental studies
manipulates the IV to test its effect on a DV
used because they show clear causation between variables
thus showing clear cause-effect<...
example of a typical experimental study
Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)
participants were given list of words to memorize
were tested on recall
evaluation of typical experimental studies
high internal validity
low ecological validity
informed consent should always be sought
some experimental studies have greater et...
neurophysiological studies
i. e. correlational studies
- uses observational method
- allows researchers to link cognitive processes to neurological structures
...example of a typical neurophysiological study
Maguire et al. (2000)
- used MRI scans to compare the size of the hippocampus between experienced taxi drivers and regular people
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
research methods used in CLOA | experimental studies (using scientific method) neurophysiological studies (e.g. brain imaging) other methods: computer modelling of cognitive theories |
experimental studies | manipulates the IV to test its effect on a DV used because they show clear causation between variables thus showing clear cause-effect can easily isolate cognitive processes b.c. well-controlled study |
example of a typical experimental study | Glanzer and Cunitz (1966) participants were given list of words to memorize were tested on recall |
evaluation of typical experimental studies | high internal validity low ecological validity informed consent should always be sought some experimental studies have greater ethical issues (e.g. Loftus et al., 1987) as they are potentially upsetting |
neurophysiological studies | i. e. correlational studies - uses observational method - allows researchers to link cognitive processes to neurological structures - helps to understand where cognitive processes are located - thus findings can be generalized to real life situations |
example of a typical neurophysiological study | Maguire et al. (2000) - used MRI scans to compare the size of the hippocampus between experienced taxi drivers and regular people |
evaluation of typical neurophysiological studies | Evaluation of neurophysiological studies: the patterns established are correlations between psychological phenomena and neural activation furthermore, due to limitations of the nature of tech used, fMRI scans do not directly represent brain activity Purves et al (2008): fMRI scans are based on computer models that make complex (and often disputed) assumptions |