Research and professions in psychology

Psychology

The scientfic study of behavior and mental processes

Goals of psychology

Describe, explain, predict, and control behavior

Psychiatrist

Trained medical doctor who prescribes medication

Psychologist

Attends graduate school to focus on behavioral managment

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Focuses on performance and behavior in the workplace

Health Psychology

Examines the relationship between psychological factors and physical ailments

Scientific Method

Proposing a hypothesis, conducting research, and creating and modifying theories based on results

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation

Case Study

An in-depth, intensive investigation of an individual or small group of people

Advantages: Amount of detail, good for rare conditions

Disadvantages: Cannot apply results easily to others

Naturalistic Observation

Observing naturally occurring behavior without intervention

Advantages: Realistic picture of behavior

Disadvantages: Observer effect, observer bias

Survey

A sample of people asked a series of questions about their thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes

Advantages: Data from large numbers, covers many behaviors

Disadvantages: Dishonesty, population size issue

Archival Research

Use of existing data in order to test a hypotheses

Advantages: Investment in time/money is minimal

Disadvantages: No control over information, source inconsistency

Longitudinal and Cross Sectional Research

Administered over an extended period of time

Advantages: Research can be generalized

Disadvantages: Heavy investment of time and money, requires long term commitment, results won’t be known for a long time

Independent Variable

The manipulated variable

Dependent Varirable

The variable that is measured and expected to change

Observer Bias

Observers see what they expect to see

Placebo Effect

Expectations of participants can influence their behavior

Experimenter Effect

Expectations intentionally or unintentionally influence the study

Double-Blind Study

Neither experimenter or participants know if subjects are in experiment or control group

Informed Consent

A document signed by participants stating they have been told the basic outline of the study and are aware of what their participation will involve