Research MethodsResource: Text Chapter 2

What is the scientific method?a set of principles and procedures that are used

by researchers to develop questions, collect data and reach conclusions.

In psychology the goals for research are to:to describe behaviors explain why these behaviors occurto predict and even change human behavior.

Steps in psychology research

Step 1 - Identify a problem

Step 2 - Form a Testable Hypothesis

Step 3 – Design a method

Step 4 - Collect Data

Step 5 – Analyse Data

Step 6 - Reach Conclusions

Step 7 – Report the Findings

Image from: http://home.badc.rl.ac.uk/lawrence/blog/2009/04/16/scientific_method

Types of research

Experimental

Scientist sets up controlled conditions to measure the effect of one variable on another

Descriptive

1.Case studiesin-depth study of a

single individual or group

2.Observational Collection of data by

watching & recording behaviour as it occurs

All types have their advantages & disadvantages

Identifying the problem

1. Research literature on the topic

2. Refine the idea and purpose so it is specific

Hypothesis

Has to be testable

Written in the form: If ‘IV’ then ‘DV’

Statement, not question Clear and precise Single sentence

Design the methodHow?

Who?

What?

Design the method1. Variables in experimental research

Independent variable (IV) What is being manipulated

Dependent variable (DV) What is being observed/effected by the IV

Extraneous variables Eg: participant age, gender, mood Sometimes can be controlled before

Design the methodPopulation – refers to the entire group of interest

Design the methodSampling Techniques

Random - randomly selecting a number of participants from a group. All have an equal chance of being selected

Stratified - randomly selecting participants from different subsets of the population. Selected in the same proportions as they occur in the population

Design the method2. Control group & experimental group

random allocation of participants to groups

Experimental group – IV present

Design the method

3. Avoid pre-conceived answers (to avoid bias)

Selection bias – if participants aren’t representative of the population

Observer Bias: Occurs when observer/experimenter sees what they expect to see or record only selected details

Does behavior change when the subjects know they are being observed?(form of Hawthorne effect)

“When Dr. Henderson comes in, everybody play dead.”

Collect the dataData Collection Techniques:

Direct observation of behaviour Questionnaire/survey/rating scale Interview Psychological test Recording physiological response Examine archive files (past records)

Types of DataQualitative data

non-numerical data/information Describes details of behaviour Eg: audio or video recordings Case studies

Quantitative data Numerical data Structured around specific behaviours Allows for statistical analysis Eg: Likert scale Closed questions on a survey

Analyse the dataInferential statistics

Make some conclusions about the data collected and relate it back to the general population

Descriptive statistics Percentages Tables graphs

or

Correlation and Causation – Correlation doesn’t necessarily mean ‘cause & effect’

Report findingsSee powerpoint – how to write a report

Always write in the 3rd person

Clear sub-headings for each section of the report

Unethical Psychological ExperimentsNazi Medical

Experiments

Nazi Twin Studies Nuremberg Code International code of ethics Participants must be

voluntary and informed of the risks

Stanley Milgram Experiment

Studied conflict between obedience towards authority and personal conscious Stress to research

subjects Use of deceptionEthical Considerations - Participants rights:

•Confidentiality•Withdrawal rights•Debriefing•Informed consent•Voluntary participation•Parental informed consent•Psychological harm•Deception

Ethics in Animal Research In the regulations an "animal" is any live vertebrate. This

includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Insects and other invertebrates are not "animals".

Animal use includes observation of animals for research or teaching. Examples are wildlife surveys and bringing pets to class to demonstrate behavior.

Approval is based on scientific or educational merit and the benefit to animals or society must outweigh the costs in animal pain and distress.