IB Psychology HL : Qualitative research in psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology HL

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Qualitative Research In Psychology

The case of Phineas Gage enabled psychologists to study the effects of personality and behavior in relation to damage associated with his frontal lobe. Gage was injured when a rod pierced his skull and destroyed most of his left frontal lobe. Researchers studied Gage and noted changes in his behavior the occurred directly after and as a result of the incident. As a result, they concluded that the frontal lobe plays a key role in a person's behavior. This case is best categorized by which of the following methods of psychological research? 

Possible Answers:

Case study

Participant observation

None of these

Survey

Experiment

Correct answer:

Case study

Explanation:

Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

Example Question #2 : Qualitative Research Study

The case of Phineas Gage enabled psychologists to study the effects of personality and behavior in relation to damage associated with his frontal lobe. Gage was injured when a rod pierced his skull and destroyed most of his left frontal lobe. Researchers studied Gage and noted changes in his behavior the occurred directly after and as a result of the incident. As a result, they concluded that the frontal lobe plays a key role in a person's behavior. This case is best categorized by which of the following methods of psychological research? 

Possible Answers:

Experiment

None of these

Case study

Participant observation

Survey

Correct answer:

Case study

Explanation:

Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors