What aspect of data collection is highlighted as a weakness in the practical methodology?

What aspect of data collection is highlighted as a weakness in the practical methodology?

• A. Surveys administered online
• B. Small sample size limiting generalizability
• C. Observation methods were too invasive
• D. Comprehensive analysis of qualitative data

Answer: (B)

The emphasis on small sample size limiting generalizability indicates a significant methodological concern in psychological research. When a study relies on a small number of participants, the findings may not accurately reflect the behaviors or attitudes of the larger population. This limitation affects the ability to draw broader conclusions and makes the results less applicable to diverse groups. Generalizability is a key consideration in research design because it determines whether the results can be extended beyond the specific sample studied. Small sample sizes can lead to biased results that are heavily influenced by individual differences, making it challenging for researchers to make confident inferences about wider trends or patterns. Hence, emphasizing this weakness is crucial for understanding the implications of the research outcomes in the field of biological psychology. The other options, while they represent potential concerns in research methodologies, do not capture the same level of impact on generalizability as a small sample size does. Online surveys may raise issues of accessibility but do not inherently limit the scope of generalization; invasive observation can be ethically problematic but does not affect sample size; comprehensive qualitative data analysis strengthens rather than weakens research outcomes.

The emphasis on small sample size limiting generalizability indicates a significant methodological concern in psychological research. When a study relies on a small number of participants, the findings may not accurately reflect the behaviors or attitudes of the larger population. This limitation affects the ability to draw broader conclusions and makes the results less applicable to diverse groups.

Generalizability is a key consideration in research design because it determines whether the results can be extended beyond the specific sample studied. Small sample sizes can lead to biased results that are heavily influenced by individual differences, making it challenging for researchers to make confident inferences about wider trends or patterns. Hence, emphasizing this weakness is crucial for understanding the implications of the research outcomes in the field of biological psychology.

The other options, while they represent potential concerns in research methodologies, do not capture the same level of impact on generalizability as a small sample size does. Online surveys may raise issues of accessibility but do not inherently limit the scope of generalization; invasive observation can be ethically problematic but does not affect sample size; comprehensive qualitative data analysis strengthens rather than weakens research outcomes.