DISCOVERING PSYCHOLOGY (CHAPTER 2)

Introduction to Research Methods PSY 101

How to read a journal referenceCourtney, K.E. & Polich, J. (2009). Binge drinking in young adults: Data, definitions, and determinants. Psychological Bulletin, 135(1), 142-156.

Author(s)Year publishedPublished article titleJournal containing published articleJournal volume & issueArticle page numbers

The Scientific Method

Step 1: Formulate a specific question and testable hypothesis

Variables & Operational definitions. How will your variables be operationally defined?

Example: How might gender & age contribute to gender role norms? It is hypothesized that older individuals will report more traditional gender role norms than younger individuals, and that females will report less traditional gender role norms than males.

The Scientific Method

Step 2: Study the design & collect the dataDescriptive methods (no manipulation)

Naturalistic ObservationCase StudySurveys (representative samples &

generalizability? random selection)Correlational Studies (correlation coefficient & positive vs.

negative correlations)

Experimental methods (manipulation)IV & DVExtraneous (confounding) variablesControl vs. comparison groupsRandom AssignmentDouble blind & demand characteristics

The Scientific Method

Step 3: Analyze the data and draw conclusionsSPSS & SAS

Step 4: Report the findingsBe sure to note study limitations, esp. with survey studies (e.g. social desirability bias)

Also provide recommendations for future research

Ethics in Psychological Research Informed consent & voluntary

participation Confidentiality & anonymity Information about the study and

debriefing

Institutional Review Boards (IRB)