Day 6The Scientific Method and Description

AP Question of the DayWhich of the following is an example of random sampling?I. Picking out of a hat to assign each of three classes to an experimental condition.II. Having a computer generate a random list of 100 high school students.III. Approaching any 50 students during 6th period lunch.

A. I onlyB. II onlyC. III onlyD. I and IIE. I, II, and III

B. II onlyOf the 3 methods presented, only having a computer generate a random list of names is an example of random sampling. The 1st example illustrates random assignment and not random sampling. Sampling is the process of choosing a group of participants from a population. Once sampling has been completed, one might assign the participants to conditions as described in I. Finally, approaching 50 students during a lunch period does not constitute random sampling even if the person who picks people tries to do so randomly. Remember that the word random has a very specific meaning in the context of research. Random sampling means that all members of the population had an equal chance of being selected.

AP Exam Tip of the Day

As you read this module, keep in mind that the scientific method is a set of principles and procedures, not a list of facts. You will be expected to understand how the science of psychology is done, not just what it has discovered.

Points of Confusion?

Unit 1 Quiz Corrections

● You have 30 minutes of class time to correct your Unit 1 quiz independently using your book/notes.

● You can earn up to ½ the points back that you missed.

● I will collect your quiz at the end of the 30 minutes.

OverconfidenceSometimes we think we know more than we actually know.

Anagram

BARGEGRABE

ENTRYETYRN

WATERWREAT

How long do you think it would take to unscramble these

anagrams?

People said it would take about 10 seconds, yet on average they took about 3 minutes (Goranson,

1978).

How long would it would take you to unscramble: RATSAP

The Scientific Attitude Three main components

1. Curious eagerness 2. Skeptically scrutinize

competing ideas 3. Open-minded humility before

nature

Scientific Attitude• Using scientific attitude…• What is popular psychology?

• “The term popular psychology (frequently called pop psychology or pop psych) refers to concepts and theories about human mental life and behavior that are based on psychology and that attain popularity among the general population. “

• Examples: • Self-help books and doctors• Paranormal, supernatural• Meditation & Hypnosis

What do you think?• Being skeptical of pop psychology• Ted Talks by Micheal Shermer.

• Why people believe weird things. • http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_shermer_on_believing_strange_things.html

• How does this relate to the Scientific Attitude?• Do you think Micheal Shermer was too harsh in

his TED talk? Why or why not?• Do you agree that we tend to believe in “things”

too easily?• How can we get away from believing too soon?

Homework

● Read and take notes on Module 6 (p. 46-55)

● Continue working on Unit II vocabulary and adding any new names in your pink packet!