Research methods in psychology chapter 3

Basic Research

Builds knowledge (e.g., shadowing/divided attention).

Applied Research

Solves real-world problems (e.g., cell phones & driving).

Lab Research

High control/internal validity, low realism.

Field Research

Natural behavior/external validity, less control.

Bushman & Anderson (2009)

Field study tested if media violence effects generalized beyond artificial lab setting.

Pilot Study

Small test run to refine methods before main study.

Manipulation Check

Measure to confirm IV worked as intended.

Operational Definitions of Hunger

(1) Hours since last meal, (2) Blood glucose, (3) Self-report rating.

Converging Operations

Strengthens validity when multiple measures show the same effect.

Theory in Psychology

Organized set of principles explaining & predicting behavior.

Good Theory Qualities

Parsimony, testability, precision, generativity.

Cognitive Dissonance Example

Theory → Deduction (predict) → Hypothesis ($1 vs $20 lie) → Data → Induction (refine theory).

Proven Theories

Data can support/challenge, but always open to reinterpretation or flaws.

Clever Hans

Showed falsification strategy (ruled out math), parsimonious explanation (cues).

Replications

Direct = reliability, Conceptual = generalizability.

Maze Learning Creativity

Small (1901) modeled maze after rat's natural world.

PsycINFO Tips

(1) Boolean operators, (2) Truncation (evol), (3) Limiters (date, method, population).

Frustration

(1) # of failed attempts, (2) Self-report irritation.

Cognitive Dissonance

(1) Attitude change, (2) Physiological arousal.

Anxiety

(1) Beck Anxiety Inventory, (2) Cortisol level.

Sense of Direction

(1) Pointing accuracy, (2) Self-report scale.

Memory

(1) # of words recalled, (2) Recognition test.

Self-Esteem

(1) Rosenberg scale, (2) Implicit association test.