How is Psychology Conducted?

The Need For Psychological Science

Common Sense and Intuition What is common sense? How does it effect intuition?

Can we trust our intuition?

The Need For Psychological Science

Hindsight Bias I-Knew-It-All–Along Phenomenon Happens when one learns a fact and it immediately

sounds like common sense In your notes, write down an example of a time when

hindsight bias happened to you. (school appropriate) Can psychology overturn common sense ideas?

The Need For Psychological Science

Overconfidence Unscramble these words

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How does overconfidence relate to hindsight bias? How can we avoid overconfidence? Is it avoidable?

Attitude is everything

The scientific attitude: Requires types of attitude

1. Curiosity Why is curiosity important?

2. Skepticism What do you mean? How do you know?

3. Humility Why is humility important?

A1+A2+A3= Critical Thinking

The Scientific Method

A self-correcting method process for asking questions and observing nature answer

Steps:1. Ask a question2. Research the question3. Refine your question4. Develop a hypothesis (theory)5. Choose a method6. Test the hypothesis7. Analyzes the results8. Communicate your results

Good Science

Theories Hypotheses Research and Observations Refine and Generate Theory

What is a Theory? An explanation using an integrated set of

principles that organizes and predicts observations

Good Theories Consist of:1. Organizing and linking observed facts2. Implying hypotheses that offer testable

predictions and, sometimes, practical applications.

Good Science

In your notes, 1. Develop and original theory2. Develop a hypothesis

A testable prediction

Methods

Qualitative .VS. Quantitative• Qualitative: data gathered by

statements, experiences, impressions. • Think Words

• Quantitative: Data gathered and translated into numbers • Think Numbers

• Hybrid Studies: combine quantitative and qualitative data

Methods

The Case Study One of the oldest forms of psychological research In depth studies of people in the hope of

revealing universal principles

What are some case studies you are aware of?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this type of study?

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfOlPK2P_G8

Methods

The survey A technique used to gather self-reported

attitudes and behaviors Used in descriptive and correlational

studies

Methods

• Steps to constructing a survey• Develop a Question• Select a population• Choose a sample type• Construct the survey• Send it to population

Methods

Asking the right questions• Ask Neutral Questions

• Neutral questions allow respondents to express their opinion, without bias

• Wording Effects:• The words you use can change the outcome

of the question• Ex: 27% of people disapprove of “government

censorship” of sex and violence. However, 66% approve of more restrictions

Methods

Sampling Key is a survey is randomization

False Consensus: The tendency to overestimate the extent to which other share our beliefs and behaviors

Population: Every one in a particular group

Random Sample: a sample that represents the population. Everyone in the target population has the same

chance to be surveyed

Methods

Naturalistic Observation: Observing and recording behavior in a

naturally occurring situations without trying to control or manipulate the situation

Does not explain behavior, it describes it