Research in Psychology

Research Basics

All psychological research MUST follow the scientific method Improves accuracy and validity of findings “Garbage in, garbage out”

There must be a specific question to answer before beginning research

Your question will drive the experiment process

Sampling

Much of psychological research needs a sample of subjects

Sample: a relatively small group out of the total population under study

The results of research must have external validity External validity: the results can be generalized to a

larger population

Types of Samples

1. Representative sample

A sample that is typical of the population 2. Nonrepresentative sample

A sample that is NOT typical of the population How to avoid nonrepresentative sample

1. Random sample: every individual has an equal chance of being studied

2. Stratified sample: Researcher selects individuals based on what is typical in a population

Scientific Method 1. Ask a research question

Must be specific and done before research

2. Form a hypothesis A statement that shows what YOU believe the results of the

research will be 3. Determine the variables

Variable: any factor capable of change Independent variable: the one experimenters change to

observe effects Dependent variable: the variable that changes in relation

to the independent variable

Scientific Method 4. The Experiment

Experimental group: participants exposed to independent variable

Control group: participants NOT exposed to the independent variable

ALL conditions must be kept the same for both groups

Measure results for each group 5. Compare the measurements

Experimental Group vs. Control Group

6. Draw conclusions How does the data answer the research question?

1. What is the question I am trying to answer?

2. What do I think the results of my experiment will be?

3. Independent: What did I change for one group?

Dependent: What changes as a result of my experiment?

4. Experimental Group: Who received the independent variable?

Control Group: Who did not receive the independent variable?

5. What are the results of the control group compared to the experimental group?

6. How did the data answer my research question?