unit two: methods psychology. how do psychologists use the scientific method? do now: what is the...
TRANSCRIPT
Unit Two: Methods
Psychology
How do Psychologists use the Scientific
Method?Do Now: What is the Scientific Method?
The Scientific Method
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
HypothesesExpresses a relationship between two variables.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
VariableThings that vary between participants in a study
For example: Religion, stress level, and height
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
Two types of Variables
Dependent Variable: depends on the Independent Variable.
Independent Variable: the variable that is manipulated in the experiment.
For example: in the hypothesis that watching violent movies will make someone act violently, the violent movies are the independent variable
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
TheoryA theory aims to explain some phenomenon and allows researchers to generate testable hypotheses.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
Operational Definitions
When you explain how you will define the variables.
In our example hypotheses that watching violent movies lead to violent behaviors, we need to define “violent”.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
Validity and Reliability
Good research is both Valid and Reliable.
Research is valid when it measures what the researcher set out to measure.
Research is reliable when the experiment can be repeated and would yield (or get) the same result.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
SamplingThe individuals on which the research will be conducted are called participants.
The process in which participants are selected is called sampling.
The sample is chosen from a specific population.
The goal of the sample is to represent the larger population.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
Random SelectionEvery member of the population has an equal opportunity to be picked to be part of the sample.
Random Selection increases the likelihood that the sample actually represents the population, and that the findings can be generalized.
How do Psychologists use the Scientific Method?
What are the Different Experimental Methods
Psychologists use?Do Now: How do you think Psychologists should study human behavior? In a lab or in the field?
Laboratory Experiments
Conducted in a lab
Highly controlled environment
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Field ExperimentConducted out in the real world
More realistic
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
How does the Correlation Method Differ from the Experimental Method?
Do Now: Define Correlation
Correlation Method
Expresses a relationship between two variables
Can be positive or negative
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Positive Correlation
The presence of one thing predicts the presence of another.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Negative Correlation
The presence of one thing predicts the absence of the other.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Naturalistic Observation
Observe participants in their natural habitats without interacting with them.
Control is sacrificed.
The goal is to get a rich picture of the participants’ behavior.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Case StudiesUsed to get a full, detailed picture of one participant or small group of participants.
Used by Psychologists to gather information about a particular disorder.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Putting it all together
For our class project we will use a Scatter Plot to record our findings.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Individual ProjectYou will work independently to determine the correlation (if any) between two variables.
Since you will not be using a lab, we will be using observation to determine the correlation (if any).
SurveysThe Survey Method is easier to use and may determine if there is a connection between two variables.
What are the Different Experimental Methods Psychologists use?
Sample Surveys
Sample Surveys
Online SurveysSurvey Monkey
Steps to the Project
1. Determine the correlation you would like to study.
2. Determine your sample.
3. Create a survey to test your correlation. You will need to test at least 15 participants.
4. Display/share your findings with the class utilizing a Scatter Plot
Due Date!The entire project is due Wednesday, October 26!
I will collect the following:A copy of your survey
A scatter plot of your data
The graphic organizer with your hypothesis