Methods of Studying Behavior

The Role of the Scientific Method in Psychology

The Role…

First it is empirical

Observations must be classified.

A theory is developed Induction Deduction

Hypothesis

Introspection and Public Observation

Introspectionism - literally ‘looking within’ Limitations -

Flaws in the perceptual process It is inherently private in nature

Operational definitions - an attempt to get around the problems of introspection.

Measures of Behavior

Measures of Behavior Self-report - asks the person to indicate

their behavior or mental state in some way. Think-aloud protocols - comments that

provide a step by step analysis of the procedures used.

Direct observation - this provides an alternative to self-report but is itself limiting.

Research Settings

The choice of setting can effect the outcome. Field setting Laboratory setting

Research Methods

Often linked to the Research Setting Experiment - a procedure whereby the

researcher systematically manipulates one or more variables to see the effect the change has.

Non-experimental methods Naturalistic observation, case studies, surveys

among others.

Interviews and Surveys

These are in some ways self-reported procedures Survey - a technique for determining

attitudes in a large number of people. Fixed alternative - allows little flexibility Open ended - requires a skilled interviewer;

can lead to interviewer bias; it can be time consuming gathering data.

Surveys and Sampling Procedures

Population

Sample

Representative sample