Module 2: Research Psychology

Scientific Method Steps

Question, Develop a hypothesis, Research Design, Collect data for statistical analysis, Peer review, Publish, Develop theories

Define Hypothesis

a precise, testable statement of what researchers expect to happen in a study and why

Define Operationalize

the process by which the researcher sets out to measure something that is not directly measurable

Goals of Psychological Research

Describe, Explain/Understand, Predict, Change/Control

Describe

“what” Enables researchers to develop general laws of human behavior.

EX: by describing the response of dogs to various stimuli, Ivan Pavlov helped develop laws of learning known as classical conditioning theory.

Explain/Understand

“why” To explain how or why this trend occurs. Psychologists will propose theories that can explain a behavior.

Predict

to be able to predict future behavior from the findings of empirical research

EX: classical conditioning predicts that if a person associates a negative outcome with a stimuli they may develop a phobia or aversion of the stimuli.

Change/Control

last step, able to do this once everything else is done

EX: interventions based on classical conditioning, such as systematic desensitization, have been used to treat people with anxiety disorders including phobias.

Archival Research

the use of books, journals, historical documents, and other existing records or data available in storage in scientific research.

Case Study

in-depth investigation of one person or small groups (rare occurrence)

Surveys

A research technique for acquiring data about the attitudes or behavior of a group of people, usually by asking questions of a representative, and random sample (Ask direct questions about how to feel, think, and behave)

Naturalistic Observation

The study of behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation or control on part of the observer

Correlational Research

quantifies the strength and direction of a relationship that exists between two variables

Positive Correlation

Both variables move same direction

EX: The more time you spend running on a treadmill, the more calories you will burn

Negative Correlation

Variables move in opposite directions

EX: A student who has many absences has a decrease in grades.

Experimental Research

purposely manipulating 1 variable to see the impact a has on another variable

Experimental Group

the subjects that receive some type of special treatment in regard to the independent variable (Receives manipulation)

Control Group

the similar subjects who do not receive the special treatment given to the experimental group

Independent Variable

variable the experimenter manipulates or changes and is assumed to directly affect the dependent variable

Dependent Variable

 variable being tested and measured in an experiment and is “dependent” on the independent variable

Placebo Effect

inert treatment or substance that has no known effects

EX: Where a patient sees a beneficial effect of a fake medication or treatment because they have the expectation of it working

Representative/Random Sampling

often used to obtain a representative sample from a larger group. This involves randomly selecting who will be in the sample. Every member of the population stands an equal chance of being selected.

Random Assignment

 involves using procedures that rely on chance to assign participants to groups. Doing this means that every single participant in a study has an equal opportunity to be assigned to any group.

Experimenter Bias/Expectations

occurs when a researcher's expectations or preferences about the outcome of a study influence the results

Confounding Variables

A variable that is not included in an experiment, yet affects the relationship between the two variables in an experiment

Cross-Sectional Research

you collect data from a population at a specific point in time

Longitudinal Research

you repeatedly collect data from the same sample over an extended period of time.

Single Blinded Research

the researcher knows which group participants have been assigned to but participants don’t know.

Double Blinded Research

Neither the researcher or participant know which group they’ve been assigned to

Reliability

 the degree to which a measurement instrument or procedure yields the same results on repeated trials.

Validity

a test or measurement tool accurately measures what it’s intended to measure

Ethical Guidelines

Competent, Protect participants from emotional + physical harm, Voluntary (able to stop anytime), Confidentiality, Dignity, Informed consent, Under 18, need parental consent

Psychology Definition

The scientific study of the mind and behavior