I. Research Strategies Module 02 Slide 2 A. Research Methodology
Method of asking questions then drawing logical supported
conclusions Researchers need to be able to determine if conclusions
are reasonable or not (critical thinking). Slide 3 1. Scientific
Method Technique using tools such as observation, experimentation,
and statistical analysis to learn about the world Through its use,
psychology is thereby considered a science. Slide 4 2. Observation
Gathering of information by simply watching subjects a.
Naturalistic Observation: subjects are observed in their natural
environment (not aware they are being watched) Slide 5 3. Bias
Occurs when a factor unfairly increases the likelihood of a
researcher reaching a particular conclusion Slide 6 a. Researcher
Bias The tendency to notice evidence which supports one particular
point of view or hypothesis Slide 7 b. Participant Bias Tendency of
research subjects to respond in certain ways because they know they
are being observed The subjects might behave unnaturally in trying
to please the researcher Slide 8 B. Types of Research Slide 9 1.
Case Study In depth study of one individual with the hopes of
determining universal principles Very open to bias Not necessarily
representative Slide 10 2. Correlational Study Research study
designed to determine the degree to which two variables are related
to one another Slide 11 How to Read a Correlation Slide 12 a.
Positive Correlation As the value of one variable increases (or
decreases) so does the value of the other variable. A perfect
positive correlation is +1.0. The closer the correlation is to
+1.0, the stronger the relationship. Slide 13 Slide 14 Slide 15 b.
Negative Correlation As the value of one variable increases, the
value of the other variable decreases. A perfect negative
correlation is -1.0. The closer the correlation is to -1.0, the
stronger the relationship. Slide 16 Slide 17 Slide 18 c. Zero
Correlation There is no relationship whatsoever between the two
variables. Slide 19 Slide 20 d. Limits to Correlational Studies
DOES NOT prove cause and effect Cannot determine why the two
variables are related--just that they are related. Helpful in
making predictions. Slide 21 Slide 22 3. Survey Method Research
method that relies on self- reports; uses surveys, questionnaires,
interviews. Efficient and inexpensive Slide 23 a. Population The
total large group being studied from which a sample is drawn for a
study Slide 24 b. Random Sample A sample that represents a
population fairly: Each member of the population has an equal
chance of being included. If a sample is not random it is said to
be biased. Slide 25 Slide 26 4. Developmental Studies Psychologist
studying how individuals change throughout their lifetime Slide 27
a. Longitudinal Study Studying the same group of individuals for
many years Can be very expensive and difficult to conduct Slide 28
b. Cross-Sectional Study Simultaneously studying many subjects from
different age groups and then comparing the results Cheaper, easier
than longitudinal studies CON: Group differences may be due to
factors other than development. Slide 29 Longitudinal/Cross
Sectional Study Slide 30 5. Experiments Module 2: Research
Strategies Slide 31 a. Hypothesis A testable prediction of the
outcome of the experiment or research Slide 32 b. Operational
Definitions A specification of the exact procedures used to make a
variable specific and measurable for research purposes Slide 33 c.
Independent Variable The cause variable The variable manipulated by
the experimenter Should change the dependent variable Slide 34 d.
Dependent Variable The experimental variable which is affected by
the independent variable The effect variable The outcome of the
experiment The variable being measured Slide 35 C. Experimental
Controls Slide 36 1. Split the sample into 2 groups. a.Experimental
Group: The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to the
treatment (independent variable) b.Control Group: Are not exposed
to the independent variable. Results are compared to the
experimental group Slide 37 2. Eliminate Confounding Variables
Variables, other than the independent variable, which could
inadvertently influence the dependent variable Slide 38 a. Random
Assignment Assigning participants to the control and experimental
groups by chance Each participant should have an equal chance of
being assigned into either group. Slide 39 b. Limit Environmental
Differences Make sure experimental and control groups are exposed
to similar temperature, lighting, noise levels, distractions, etc.
Slide 40 c. Reduce Expectation Effects Changes in the results due
to the subject anticipating certain outcomes to the experiment
Slide 41 Slide 42 a. Blind procedure: research participants do not
know (are blind to) the expected outcome of the experiment b.
Double-Blind Procedure: both the participants and the researcher do
not know the expected outcome Slide 43 d. Use a Placebo A
non-active substance or condition administered instead of a drug or
active agent that is given to the control group Slide 44 D. Data
Analysis Module 2: Research Strategies Slide 45 1. Statistically
Significant Differences in results between the experimental and
control groups could have occurred by chance is no more than 5
percent probable Must be at least 95% certain the differences
between the groups is due to the independent variable Slide 46 2.
Replication Repeating the experiment to determine if similar
results are found Slide 47 Slide 48 E. Ethics: Human Research (Four
Basic Principles) Module 2: Research Strategies Slide 49 1.
Informed Consent Participants must be informed, in advance, about:
the general nature of the research, and any potential risk. Must
have the right to refuse participation at any time. Slide 50 2.
Right to be Protected from Harm and Discomfort Studies involving
harm or discomfort may be conducted only under certain
circumstances, and only with the informed consent of the
participants. Slide 51 3. Right of Confidentiality Individual data
about research participants should never be discussed or released.
Slide 52 4. Right to Debriefing Participants have a right to
receive a complete explanation of the research at the end of the
study. This is extremely important if the research involves
deception. Slide 53 The End
