PSY Chapter 2

scientific method step 1

Ask a research question

scientific method step 2

Develop a hypothesis.

scientific method step 3

Conduct a study and collect data.

scientific method step 4

Analyze the results.

scientific method step 5

Draw conclusions and share the findings.

theory

 A broad explanation supported by a substantial body of evidence.

hypothesis

 A specific, testable prediction.

Operational definition

A precise explanation of how a variable will be measured or defined in a study.

Replication:

 Repeating a study to see whether similar results occur again.

Case study

Detailed study of one person or a small group Studying one person with an unusual memory ability

Naturalistic observation

Watching behavior in a natural environment Observing children playing on a playground

survey

 Asking people questions about their opinions or behavior Asking students how many hours they study

archival research

Studying information that already exists Reviewing old school attendance records

correlarion research

 Examining the relationship between variables Studying the relationship between sleep and grades

Experiment Manipulating a variable to test cause and effect

Testing whether a study technique improves test scores

Longitudinal study

Follows the same participants over an extended period.

Cross-sectional study

 Compares different groups at one point in time.

Positive correlation

Two variables tend to increase or decrease together.

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.

Zero or no correlation

There is no consistent relationship between the variables.

 Correlation does not equal causation

fact

Experimental research

help researchers test cause-and-effect relationships.

Independent variable (IV)

The variable the researcher manipulates

Dependent variable (DV)

The outcome the researcher measures

Experimental group

Receives the treatment or manipulation being tested

Control group

Provides a comparison condition Students using the usual study method

Random sampling Participants are selected from a population by chance Randomly selecting students from a school roster

fact

Reliability

How consistent a measurement or test is.

Validity

Whether a measurement actually measures what it is supposed to measure.

Researcher Bias

When a researcher's expectations influence the study or interpretation.

Participant bias

When participants' expectations or behavior affect the results.

placebo

An inactive treatment used for comparison

Double-blind procedure

Neither the participants nor the researchers interacting with them know who receives the actual treatment during the study.

Informed consent

 Participants are told important information about the study and agree to participate voluntarily.

Confidentiality

Researchers protect participants' private information.

Debriefing

Researchers explain the study's purpose and relevant details afterward, especially if deception was used.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

Reviews research involving human participants

IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Reviews animal research to help ensure humane treatment.

Right to withdraw

 Participants can leave a study without penalty