Chapter 2:Research Methods

Basic Terms Measurement of Behavior Research Designs Animal Use

Basic Terms

Variable A characteristic that can change (vary)

over time or from one situation to another

Independent variable a characteristic whose values are independent

of changes in the values of other variables Dependent variable

Characteristic that is dependent upon changes in the IV

Basic Terms

Operational definition An exact description of an event or

behavior that would otherwise be ambiguous

Measurement of Behavior

1. Rate of response

Cumulative Recorder

Measurement of Behavior

2. Intensity

3. Duration

4. Speed

Measurement of Behavior

5. Latency

6. Interval recording

7. Time sample recording

8. Topography

9. Number of errors

Basic Terms

Stimulus (S) Any event that can produce a

behavior

Response (R) A behavior elicited by a stimulus

Basic Terms

Overt Behavior Behavior that can be observed by

another individual

Covert Behavior Behavior that is subjective (can be

observed only by person performing behavior)

Basic Terms

Appetitive Stimuli Stimuli that an individual will seek

out

Aversive Stimuli Stimuli that an individual will avoid

Basic Terms

Deprivation Prolonged absence of an event,

which tends to increase the event’s appeal

Satiation Prolonged exposure to an event,

which tends to decreases the appeal of that event

Basic Terms

Contiguity Temporal continuity: closeness of two

events in time Spatial continuity: closeness of two

events in space

Contingency A predicted relationship between two

events

Research Design

Descriptive Research Recording detailed observations about

a behavior, and the situation that it occurs in

Naturalistic Observation Recording of behavior in its natural

environment

Case Studies Intensive examination of one or

a few individuals

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Research Design

Experimental Research One or more independent variables

manipulated in order to show a cause-and-effect relationship between the variable and the behavior of interest

Control Group Designs Experiment in which subjects are randomly

assigned to a control group or an experimental group

Group 1Food

Group 2No food

ExperimentalDesign

Research Design

Experimental Research

Control Group Designs

Advantages: Good for showing cause-and-effect

relationships

Disadvantages: Requires a large number of subjects Data sometimes analyzed only at end of

experiment Ignores individual results (which might be

important)

Six experimental conditions (groups of subjects) in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment involving two levels of a “food” variable and three levels of an “age” variable.

Research Design

Experimental Research

Single-Subject Designs

Simple Comparison (AB) Design

Reversal (ABAB) Design

Two-Treatment Reversal (ABCAC) Design

Problem:Reversal (ABAB) Design

Multiple Baseline Design

Changing Criterion Design

Use of Animals in Behavioral Research

Arguments For: Genetic and learning history can be controlled Experimental conditions can be more strictly

controlled Some research cannot be ethically conducted in

humans

Arguments Against: Animals subjects not human, so results may not

be applicable to humans Unethical for animals too

Research Ethics

Federal guidelines: The “Common Rule”

Professional societies recommendations (APA, Society for Neuroscience)

Institutional review boards IACUC

Journals

Animal Ethical Guidelines

Clear purpose and necessity Excellent housing, food and health

care Minimal pain and suffering