Unit 2: Why is Research Important, Appraches to Research, Analyzing Findings, Ethics

Psychology Research Concepts

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, and is used for comparison.

Operational Definition

Defines a concept in terms of specific, measurable procedures used to observe it.

Validity

Refers to the accuracy of a measure - whether it measures what it's intended to.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure - getting the same result under the same conditions.

Correlation Coefficient

A numerical value (from -1 to +1) that indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between variables.

Confounding Variable

A factor other than the independent variable that might influence the results, creating a false impression of a relationship.

Archival Research

A research method involving analyzing existing records or data sets instead of collecting new data.

Scientific Method Steps

Identify problem → Formulate explanation → Carry out research → Communicate findings.

Experimental Research

Allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one variable and observing changes in another.

Informed Consent

The process where participants are told about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and their rights before agreeing to participate.

Debriefing

Occurs after a study to explain the true purpose, address any deception used, and answer participant questions.

Dependent Variable

The outcome that researchers measure; it changes in response to the independent variable.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Correlational Research

Examines the relationship between two variables but cannot establish cause and effect.

Descriptive Research

Used to systematically describe behaviors or characteristics of a population without manipulating variables.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of one individual or small group, often not generalizable to the larger population.

Survey Research

A method of gathering information by asking people questions about their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural environment without interference or manipulation.

Placebo

A substance or treatment with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs.

Double-Blind Procedure

An experimental setup where neither participants nor researchers know who receives the treatment, reducing bias.

Why is Scientific Research important?

Scientific research is a critical tool for successfully navigating our complex world. Without it, we would be forced to rely solely on intuition, other people’s authority, and blind luck.

Scientific Research Purpose

Scientific research helps us navigate the world based on evidence, not just intuition, authority, or luck.

Socrates’ Concern with Writing

Socrates worried that writing would weaken people’s memory because they could rely on written records instead of memorization.

Psychologists’ Focus

Psychologists study behavior and focus on the mental (cognitive) and physical (physiological) processes behind it.

Scientific Knowledge is Empirical

It is based on observable, objective evidence that can be repeated and confirmed by others.

Facts vs. Opinions

Facts are observable realities. Opinions are personal judgments that may not be accurate.

How Scientific Facts Are Established

Only through evidence collected via empirical research.

Deductive Reasoning

Starts with a general idea or hypothesis and tests it against the real world to draw logical conclusions.

Inductive Reasoning

Uses observations to create generalizations or new ideas.

Case Studies and Inductive Reasoning

Case studies involve gathering lots of observations and identifying patterns, making them inductive.

Experimental Research Emphasis

Focuses on deductive reasoning by testing hypotheses under controlled conditions.

Construct Validity

Measures how well a test or tool actually captures the concept it’s supposed to measure.

Ecological Validity

How well study results generalize to real-world situations.

Face Validity

How much a measure appears to assess what it’s supposed to at face value.

Types of Reliability

• Inter-rater reliability: Agreement between different observers.

• Internal consistency: Survey items measure the same thing.

• Test-retest reliability: Same results over time using the same tool.

Participants

Individuals who take part in psychological research and contribute data to the study.

Random Sample

A subset of the population where every member has an equal chance of being selected.

Random Assignment

Ensures participants have an equal chance of being placed in any group, minimizing bias.

Statistical Significance

A result is statistically significant if it’s unlikely to have occurred by chance (typically under 5%).

Confounding Variable

A hidden variable that may influence both independent and dependent variables, misleading results.

Illusory Correlation

Belief that a relationship exists between two things when it does not.

For example, the Moon Phase Example, is a common illusory correlation where people behave strangely during a full moon.

APA Writing Guidelines

The APA publishes a manual with rules for writing and submitting research papers.

Peer-Reviewed Article

Reviewed by experts in the field for accuracy, methods, and contribution before being published.

Purpose of Peer Review

Ensures quality, catches errors, and confirms the research is ethical and replicable.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

Reviews research involving human participants to protect their rights and ensure ethics.

IRB Membership

Includes scientists, administrators, and community members.

Informed Consent

Describes procedures, risks, and confirms voluntary participation that can be stopped at any time.

Consent for Minors

Parents or legal guardians must sign the form if the participant is under 18.

Deception in Research

Misleading participants when necessary, as long as it’s not harmful and is followed by full debriefing.

Animal Research Justification

Animals are used when they’re similar enough to humans and when the research would be unethical on people.

IACUC

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ensures humane treatment and inspects facilities.