The Research Enterprise in Psychology

Unit 1Chapter 2

Research Methods, Measurement, and Statistics Students will describe research methods and measurements used to study behavior and mental

processes and identify ethical issues in research with human and non-human animals. Students will also explain basic concepts of data analysis

Steps in a Scientific Investigation hypothesis- tentative

statement about the

relationship between two or

more variables

variables- any measurable

conditions, events,

characteristics, or behaviors

that are controlled or

observed in a study

theory- set of interrelated

ideas used to explain and

connect known facts and

predict events

P.1 Describe the scientific method and its role in psychology.

Experiments experiments allow researchers to detect cause-

and-effect relationships among variables and subjects independent variable- condition/event that is

manipulated dependent variable- affected by manipulation of

independent variable

experimental group- subjects who receive special treatment through independent variable

control group- subjects who do not receive special treatment

P.2 Describe and compare a variety of quantitative and

qualitative research methods

http://youtu.be/k2MhMsLn9B0

Other Research MethodsNaturalistic Observation Researcher engages in careful

observation of behavior without intervening directly with subjects

Less artificial than experiments

Surveys questionnaires or interviews

that gather information about subjects background or behavior

collect data on attitudes and opinions from large samples

Case Studies in-depth investigation of

an individual subject data collection methods

include interviews, observations, and psychological testing

popular among clinical psychologists investigating psychological disorders

P.2 Describe and compare a variety of quantitative and

qualitative research methods

http://youtu.be/BHA3YpjdqZs

http://youtu.be/kV3S0XCQsO4

http://youtu.be/KfOlPK2P_G8

Research Problems and Resolutions

extraneous variables- any variable other than IV that influences DV

confounding of variables- occurs when 2 variables are linked making it difficult to sort out their specific effects

random assignment- all subjects have equal chance or being assigned to any group or condition in study

P.3 Elaborate on systematic procedures used to improve the

validity of research findings

Looking for Flaws: Evaluating Research

replication- repetition

of study to see whether earlier

results are duplicated

sampling bias-exists when sampleisn’t representativeof population fromwhich is was drawn

placebo effect- occur when participantsexpectations lead themto experience change

even though theyreceive ineffectual

treatment

social desirability bias-tendency to givesocially approved

answers to questionsabout oneself

experimenter bias-occurs whenresearchers

expectations aboutoutcome of studyinfluence results

obtained

P.9 Explain how validity and reliability of observations and measurements relate to

data analysis.

Know your terms Hypothesis:

IV: DV:

Control Group:

Experimental Group:

proposed explanation

variable the researcher controls/manipulates

response to the change in the independent variable; the measurements collected in the experiment

subjects exposed to the independent variable; the test group

subjects do not receive the independent variable; standard of comparison for the experimental group

Quiz Practice

Students who study perform better in school. Hypothesis: If _______________________________, then _______________________________________

IV: ___________________ DV: __________________

Control Group: _____________________________Experimental Group: ________________________

a student studies

he/she will perform better in school

studying grades/performance

students not studying

students studying

Conduct Your Own!First, pick a topic that interests your group. 1. Formulate a hypothesis.

MUST be a statement about the outcome you predict will occur.

2. Choose a method Survey or naturalistic observation

3. Collect your data Tally marks work great!

4. Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions Create a chart/graph to represent the data

you collected Draw 2-3 conclusions on why you think

people responded or behaved in certain ways.

5. Report your Findings Include a final statement about your results State whether your hypothesis was

supported or rejected.

Last, turn in to basket with all members names.