Chapter 2 - Introduction to Psychology

What makes a discipline considered a “science”

The discipline should follow the Scientific Method.

What is the Scientific Method?

Involves the systematic collection of information according to rules and procedures that preserve objectivity and accuracy. This allows a discipline to be considered a science.

How many steps are in the Scientific Method?

4

What are the four steps in the Scientific Method?

1. State the Problem & Specify the Hypothesis

2. Method

3. Results

4. Interpretation

What is Step 1. State the Problem & Specify the Hypothesis?

This is where you decide what it is you want to study and make a testable prediction of what will happen under certain conditions

What is Step 2. Method?

Design and conduct the experiment. This is when you collect the data

What is Step 3. Results?

Subject your collected data to statistical analysis & draw conclusions based on the results

What is Step 4. Interpretation?

Report the conclusions & explain the results. Determine whether you supported your hypothesis

How many types of Research Methods are there?

4.

What are the four types of Research Methods?

1. Real Experiment

2. Correlations

3. Survey

4. Observation

What is a Real Experiment?

A study in which the investigator manipulates at least one variable while measuring at least one other variable

What is a variable?

Anything of interest to the experimenter. In a real experiment, we are required to have a minimum of two variables

What are the two types of variables?

Independent Variable and Dependent Variable

What is the Independent Variable (ID)?

This is the variable that the researcher controls or changes. (Manipulated)

What is the Dependent Variable (DV)?

This is the variable that is affected by the IV. (Measured)

What is defining the variables involved in the study?

Operational Definition

What is Operational Definition?

This specifies the procedure used to measure some variable or to produce some phenomena. When you operationally define a variable, you are reducing it to a quantifiable unit - must be measurable!

What is the minimum amount of groups of subjects in an experiment?

2

What is a subject?

Refers to an animal or human who takes part in your experiment

What are participants?

Exclusively humans being used in an experiment

What is the Experimental Group?

This is the group who receives the variable that the experiment is designed to test - the IV.

What is the Control Group?

This group is treated I. the same way as the experimental group, however, they are not given the IV. The control group allows you to make comparisons and checks to see if your treatment was effective.

What are Correlations?

Establishes whether there is a statistical relationship between two variables that you are interested in studying There are no IVs or DVs in a correlation!!

What are the variables in this example?: Is there a relationship between the amount of time a student studies and the score they receive on a quiz?

Two variables: Number of minutes studied & Quiz Scores

How many types of Correlational Relationships are there?

3

What are the three types of Correlational Relationships?

Positive, Negative, and Zero

What is a Positive Correlation?

An increase in the value of one variable is associated with an increase in the value of the other variable (or vice versa)

What is a Negative Correlation?

An increase in the value of one variable is associated with a decrease in the value of the other variable.

What is Zero?

Changes in the value of one variable are not related to changes in the value of the other vairable

What is a Survey?

A study of the prevalence of certain attitudes, beliefs or behaviors based on people’s responses to specific questions. Uses questionnaires

What is Observation?

Simply watch subjects, either in their natural settings (homes, schools) or in labs.

How many types os Observation research methods are there?

2.

What are the two Observation research methods?

Naturalistic and Controlled/Laboratory

What is Naturalistic?

Watching objects in their home environment or where they congregate

What is Controlled/Laboratory?

Completed in an environment created by the researcher to appear as “natural” as possible