II) Research methods
    A) Naturalistic Observation
            1) Observe behavior in its natural setting, attempt to avoid influencing
                 or controlling it
            2) Advantage:  Good way to collect normative data
            3) Disadvantage:  Must wait for the behavior to occur naturally
    B) Laboratory Observation
            1) Observe behavior in a laboratory where extraneous variables can be
                 controlled and specialized equipment can be used
            2) Advantage:  Better control of outside factors.  More precise
                 equipment can be used
            3) Disadvantage:  Surroundings may affect results
    C) Case Studies
            1) Observe one or a very few subjects in great depth, usually over a
                 long period of time
            2) Advantage:  The only method appropriate for very unusual cases
            3) Disadvantage:  Problems with generalizing the results
    D) Surveys
            1) Collect data from groups of people using questionnaires or
                 interviews.  Data is useless unless sample is representative
            2) Advantage:  Can collect information such as attitudes and beliefs
            3) Disadvantage:  Subjects may lie or mislead the experimenter
    E) Correlation
             1) Can determine if X and Y go together, but not if X causes Y.
             2) Cannot imply causation due to:
             3) Directionality problems
             4) Third Variables
    F) Experiments
            1) Involve random assignment and controlled manipulation
            2) Causal claims possible
            3) Independent variables manipulated by Experimentor
            4) Dependent variables supposedly affected by independent variables
            5) Experimental groups get the different values of the independent
                 variables.  Control groups do not.
            6) Can make causal claims:
                a) Manipulation removes directionality
                b) Random assignment removes third variables
            7) Disadvantages:
                a) Random assignment sometimes impossible, sometimes unethical
                b) Control can reduce validity
III) Developmental Methods
    A) Longitudinal Studies
            1) Follow the same group across time to determine age-related changes
                 in thought and behavior
    B) Cross-sectional Studies
            1) Assess groups of differing ages, usually at the same time

IV)  Related Links