Seminar 2

will begin at 10:00.

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Steps in the Research Process (ch. 2 p. 21)

1. Develop a research question.

2. Conduct a review of the literature.

3. Generate a research hypothesis (a “guesstimate”.

4. Form operational definitions (see next slide).

5. Choose a research design.

6. Evaluate the ethics.

7. Collect data.

8. Analyze data and form conclusions.

9. Report research results.

Discuss some of the potential problems that are faced at each step along the way, and how you would overcome these obstacles.

Operational Definitions

how a variable is measured

others can replicate it

clear definition and description

If you were conducting a study on intelligence how would you operationally define intelligence?

If you were conducting a study on happiness how would you operationally define happiness?

Unit 2 Project - Grading Criteria % - PointsCourse Content

Provides a brief description of the different methods of research that are described in the reading {single case study, observational, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental}.

0-20

Evaluates the different research methods, and selects one that is best for each of the three descriptions provided. Gives a clear rationale as to why the method was selected. Appropriate references to the text are made.

0-30

Clearly describes how the research method selected uses the scientific method. 0-20

Details any ethical issues that might apply when using the research method selected.

0-20

Describes any limitations to the conclusions that accompany the method of research.

0-25

Writing

Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis statement, complete paragraphs, and brief summary paragraph rephrasing thesis.

0-15

Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and APA format. Free of typographical errors. Meets the length requirement (not including the cover page or reference page).

0-10

Total 140

Four Research Designs (ch. 2 p. 34)DESIGNS CHARACTERISTICS & GOALS

Observational and correlationaldesigns

Researchers measure variables through observation or surveys to describe and predict behavior.

Experimental designs

Researchers manipulate an independent variable to determine the effect on a measured dependent variable. Random assignment determines placement into either a control group or an experimental group. The goal is to identify the causes of behavior.

Quasi-experimental designs

There is no random assignment into groups. Instead the control group and the experimental group are already pre-divided. The goal is to identify causes of behavior, but confounding and extraneous variables may prevent that.

Single-case designsResearchers describe, predict, and control variables in order to understand and treat the behavior of one individual.

Case Study

What is a case study?

Why do a case study?

Limitations: no generalization

Observation

Naturalistic

Laboratory

Limitations: generalization is frequently an issue, cause and effect cannot be determined, observer bias is a possibility (ethnocentrism)

Survey

What is a survey?

Why do a survey?Note: see next slide on correlation.

Correlation

How two variables are related.

Correlation ≠ causation

Experimental ResearchCause-and-effectmanipulates one variable under

controlled conditions so that resulting changes in another variable can be observed

2 groups: control group and experimental group

Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two groups.

Quasi-Experimental Research

Exactly the same as a true experiment except the research participants are already in pre-selected groups. Therefore there is no random assignment to a control group or an experimental group.

Shows cause and effect but is limited by extraneous and confounding variables.

Ethics in Research

Special populations such as children and the handicapped.

Confidentiality (participants must be un-identifiable)

Right to privacy (is there a reasonable right to privacy?)

Informed consent (also connects with special populations)

Note

For all research look for clear definitions and descriptions. Operational definitions are extremely important.

Research

Look for replication with similar results!

Project Unit 2

In this project, you will determine the method of research that was used in the three different situations described below. Submit your findings in a 750-1000 word written project. Based on the reading from Chapter 2, do the following:

provide a brief description of the different methods of research that are described in the reading (single case study, observational, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental)

evaluate the different methods, and select one that you feel fits best with each of the three descriptions provided

give a rationale as to why you selected the method that you did

Describe how the research method you selected uses the scientific method

Discuss any ethical issues that might apply when using this method

Discuss any limitations to the conclusions that accompany your method of research

Project Unit 2

Specific Project Situations

A researcher was able to modify the behavior of a mentally impaired eight-year-old girl. The maladaptive behavior was spoon banging during mealtime in school. The researcher measured the girl's behavior before, during and after an intervention where she was immediately given her food upon entering the cafeteria. The research was able to show that this treatment was effective in helping the girl to stop her spoon banging behavior (Horton, 1987).

A team of researchers studies gender differences in need for affiliation. Need for affiliation was measured by observing students entering the college cafeteria and recording whether each student was alone or with other students. Females were significantly more likely than males to be in the presence of another person when entering the cafeteria. This finding is consistent with a description of females as having a greater need for affiliation (Latane & Bidwell, 1977).

A researcher studies the effectiveness of two different approaches that small groups use in making decisions. The researcher randomly assigned 20 groups of two participants to use a cooperative approach and 20 groups of two people to use a competitive approach. The researcher measured the degree of satisfaction with the final decision that each group member reported after the group had reached its final decision. The members of the groups who used the cooperative approach reported more satisfaction than did those who used the competitive approach.

Unit 2 Project - Grading Criteria % - PointsCourse Content

Provides a brief description of the different methods of research that are described in the reading {single case study, observational, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental}.

0-20

Evaluates the different research methods, and selects one that is best for each of the three descriptions provided. Gives a clear rationale as to why the method was selected. Appropriate references to the text are made.

0-30

Clearly describes how the research method selected uses the scientific method. 0-20

Details any ethical issues that might apply when using the research method selected.

0-20

Describes any limitations to the conclusions that accompany the method of research.

0-25

Writing

Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis statement, complete paragraphs, and brief summary paragraph rephrasing thesis.

0-15

Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and APA format. Free of typographical errors. Meets the length requirement (not including the cover page or reference page).

0-10

Total 140

Ethnocentrism (ch. 2 p. 23)

Ethnocentrism: when we attempt to understand the behavior of individuals in a different culture through the framework or views of our own culture

How can research can be limited by the culture, gender, or time period that we live in?

White middle-class males

Research evidence suggests that Kohlberg’s theory seems to describe moral development for American and European educated, middle-class males—a culture that emphasizes individualism.

In contrast, individuals who live in cultures that emphasize collectivism, such as communal societies in China do not show this type of reasoning. Collectivist cultures value the well-being of the community.

DB Questions Unit 2

Question 1

Describe the concept of ethnocentrism, and how research can be limited by the culture, gender, or time period that we live in. Discuss how Kohlberg's theory of moral development illustrates this point, and what researcher's can do to prevent this problem. Discuss any other famous theories in psychology that were limited by the culture, gender or time period in which they lived.

Question 2

Come up with an original idea for a research study, and describe the steps involved in the research process. Discuss some of the potential problems that are faced at each step along the way, and how you would overcome these obstacles.

And always remember ….

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