PSYC 1100 A10 SPRING 2025 02 Research Methods KPU Courses

Introduction to Research Methods

• Discussion of various research methods used by psychologists.

• Importance of this chapter for understanding subsequent studies in the course.

Why Research is Needed

Competing Hypotheses

• Example: "Birds of a feather flock together" vs. "Opposites attract."

  • Both cannot be true as they contradict each other.

  • Research helps determine which hypothesis is true based on personality traits.

• More examples of competing hypotheses:

  • "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" vs. "You're too old to learn."

  • "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" vs. "Better safe than sorry."

Hindsight Bias

• Definition: Feeling that you should have foreseen an outcome after it happened.

• Example: Show host Nick Cannon claiming he knew identity of eliminated celebrity on "The Masked Singer" after the reveal.

• Example: Statements made by former President Trump on COVID-19.

Overconfidence

• People tend to overestimate their abilities.

• Activity example of estimating the time to solve anagrams: Study showed most participants took longer than estimated.

• Follow-up study showed participants were 80% confident in future predictions but only 40% accurate.

• Importance of verifying predictions and staying grounded in research.

Goals of Behavioral Science

1. Describing Behavior

   • First step in any theory, involving observation without making assumptions.

   • Example research questions:

     • Movie genre preferences of adults over 60.

     • Favorite fast food chain.

     • Computer usage of 8 to 18 year olds.

2. Predicting Behavior

   • Understanding if one variable can predict another.

   • Involves manipulating an independent variable to see effects on a dependent variable.

   • Example research questions:

     • Does extroversion predict number of sexual partners?

     • Does intelligence predict years of schooling?

     • Does aggression predict average height?

3. Determining Causes of Behavior

   • Correlation does not imply causation.

   • Research is needed to determine if one variable truly causes changes in another.

   • Example research inquiries with a focus on causality paradigm.

4. Explaining Behavior

   • Understanding why a relationship exists between variables.

   • Example: Why does watching violent TV lead to aggression? Potential explanations include modeling and psychological desensitization.

Scientific Method

• Description of the cyclical process of the scientific method in psychology:

  1. Theory: Organizing ideas or explanations for behavior.

  2. Hypotheses: Educated guesses derived from theories.

  3. Data Collection: Gathering information according to the hypotheses.

  4. Data Analysis: Examining the data and refining the theory based on findings.

Types of Research Methods

1. Descriptive Methods

   • Case Studies: Detailed analysis of one or a small group, but limited generalizability.

   • Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in a natural setting without interference.

   • Surveys: Self-reporting by participants; easily distributed but prone to bias.

2. Correlational Studies

   • Examining the relationship between two variables. Correlation coefficients range from -1 to +1:

     • Positive correlation (+): As one variable increases, the other does too.

     • Negative correlation (-): As one variable increases, the other decreases.

   • Important takeaway: Correlation does not equal causation.

3. Experimental Studies

   • Involves manipulation of an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable.

   • Randomly assigns participants to experience control or experimental conditions.

   • Allows for cause-and-effect conclusions but can't manipulate all variables.

Strengths and Limitations of Research Designs

• Descriptive Methods: Useful for observation, but cannot establish cause-effect.

• Correlational Studies: Allows for investigation of relationships but fails to establish causation.

• Experimental Studies: Best for establishing causation, but not all variables can be manipulated or controlled.

• The role of confounding variables and ensuring validity in research findings.

Conclusion

• Summation of the importance of research methods in psychology to provide a better foundation of understanding for future studies.

• Encouragement for students to think critically about the applications of research in behavioral science.