Research is conducted to make observations that describe and measure behavior. Particularly, in experimental design, the researcher manipulates a set of independent variables to determine their effect on a behavior or a cognitive process, which is the dependent variable typically consisting of human or animal participants. Experimental methods apply to a variety of topics such as sensation, cognition, emotion or social psychology ( Coolican, 2017 ). On the other hand, a case study explores research methods in an up-close and in-depth examination process, where study subjects are evaluated based on the case study’s methodology and the linked contextual conditions. In this regard, this paper seeks to compare the experimental method and case study research designs to evaluate the science of cool.
For the experimental method, psychologists will use scientific methods to establish standardized mechanisms of observing a phenomenon, gathering credible data, the formation of theories, testing of hypothesis, and the interpretation of results. The design of the experiments will separate treatment groups from the control groups. The research starts by identifying the concept of “cool” by identifying traits that make a person exhibit the “cool “trait. Such traits include the observation of ego, character, behavior, comportments, appearance, and popularity ( Milner, 2013) . Based on such traits, the researcher is able to collect data on the responses given. This involves the use of research tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and surveys. The responses given will enlighten the researcher on the theories that would accompany the phenomenon. For instance, the assertion that “cool” people are easily likable means that the theory the experiment will attempt to answer is the research question on whether there are benefits attributable to “cool” people. Also, the researcher can theorize that one can make a person cool by building their popularity. Subsequently, the theories are tested, and predictions are determined to be true or false. A contrary prediction, for example, indicates that “cool” people are not likable and one cannot make a person cool by building their popularity. The researcher may revise the theories and hypotheses posed for the experiment, after which further evaluations may necessitate rejection or the acceptance of the aforementioned theories.
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Regarding the case study research design, the researcher will investigate single specific persons or groups to discern the concept of “cool.” This is done by gathering data aligned to the qualities of cool persons through research methods such as observations, self-report questionnaires, and structured and non-structured interviews, which are specifically directed to the specific area of study, the science of cool. In addition, exploring coolness in a case study necessitates the researcher to dwell on attribute as a behavioral characteristic and a state of being (Coolican, 2017). Notably, case studies entail the use of a body of research techniques as opposed to a single research method. Therefore, formulating a methodology for understanding the concept of cool enables the researcher to answer multiple research questions such as how to identify individuals who are “cool.” A case study may reveal that cool people observe their ego and are popular. The in-depth evaluation will as well indicate the benefits “cool” persons are likely to enjoy. This would mean, for instance, the affirmation on cool people of projecting the aspects of being likable. In addition, to answer the research question on if one can make someone look cool, the researcher directs the case study on the adjustments that can be done to change a personality to exhibit coolness. A researcher would, for example, state that one can make someone cool by building on their popularity. Through the case study, the research will affirm their predictions on how to determine cool persons, their ability to be likable, and ascertain that building a person’s popularity is integral in establishing the cool traits.
The operational definition that acquaints both the experimental method and the case study research designs employed on this investigation attempts to demystify the observable phenomena on the concept of “cool,” which include personal traits, acceptability, and the popularity of the cohort under investigation ( Oyserman, 2015 ). The Independent variables adopted for this study were egoism, character, behavior, comportments, appearance, and popularity while the dependent variable was the stature exhibited by the persons under the investigation for the concept of coolness.
An advantage of using the experimental research designs is that the user could employ the use of control groups. A control group in this scenario will enable the psychologist to evaluate discrepancies observed from the groups of persons without the “coolness.” This provides clarity on the results or the conclusions highlighted in the research. Conversely, a disadvantage foreseeable from the experimental method is that the insight provided is superficial as compared to the case study design. Regarding the case study, a researcher comes up with exhaustive descriptions on “the science of cool” as elaborated on the different contextual associations of the phenomenon ( Kratochwill, 2015 ). Finally, there is the potential for the psychologist to develop novel hypotheses on different aspects of coolness, which can be used for later testing. However, a case study portrays drawbacks by negating the examination of control groups, which are essential in exploring the traits of “uncool” personalities.
The measurement tools used on both the experimental and case study methods are reliable and valid. A variety of responses obtained from observations, the survey, self-report questionnaires, and structured and non-structured interviews enable the researches to exhibit non-biased conclusion based on credible statistical evaluation processes. Where the researcher prefers to use both treatment and control groups in the experimental design, there is significant precision accustomed to the analysis conducted on the gathered data and the insights derived from them. Additionally, different causalities are determinable from both research designs in determining the aspects of cool, being cool, and the different behaviors. This is explained by theorizing the concepts of coolness as a positive trait, a social distinction, or an elusive essence.
References
Coolican, H. (2017). Research methods and statistics in psychology . Psychology Press.
Kratochwill, T. R. (2015). Single-case research design and analysis: An overview. In Single-Case Research Design and Analysis (Psychology Revivals) (pp. 13-26). Routledge.
Milner, M. (2013). Freaks, geeks, and cool kids . Routledge.
Oyserman, D. (2015). Identity ‐ based motivation. Emerging trends in the social and behavioral sciences: An interdisciplinary, searchable, and linkable resource , 1-11.
