Basics of RM

Experimental Psychology

  • Cornerstone of Psychology: Research is foundational to all areas of psychology.

  • Research Approaches: Different specialty areas vary in their research methods.

Types of Research

  • Basic Research:

    • Focus: Acquisition of knowledge for its own sake.

    • Purpose: Not driven by practical applications.

    • Example: Research for the pleasure of learning new information.

  • Applied Research:

    • Focus: Solving practical problems and improving quality of life.

    • Example: Investigations into environmental impacts such as Sargassum seaweed.

Knowledge Acquisition in Research

  • Importance: Acquainting oneself with the topic of interest.

  • Methods to acquire knowledge:

    • Literature reviews, previous studies, expert consultations.

Skepticism, Science, & Scientific Method

  • Objective Framework: Systematic information collection ensuring objectivity and accuracy.

  • Four Steps of the Scientific Method:

    1. State the Problem & Specify the Hypothesis: Identify what you wish to study and make predictions.

    • Types of Hypotheses:

      • Testable: Can be verified with data.

      • Untestable: Cannot be supported due to absence of data.

      • Potentially Testable: May be testable with future technological advances.

    1. Method: Design and conduct the experiment to test the hypothesis.

    2. Results: Analyze collected data statistically and draw conclusions.

    3. Interpretation: Report findings, explaining results and discussing whether the experiment achieved its goal.

Research Papers and APA Format

  • Structure follows the Scientific Method:

    • Introduction: State Problem & Hypothesis

    • Method: Describe Methodology

    • Results: Present Findings

    • Discussion: Interpret Results

Identifying Research Variables

  • Definition: Variables are elements of interest that can change (e.g., behavior, thought, situation).

    • Examples: Time of day, stress levels, exercise.

Operational Definitions

  • Definition: Measurable definitions used to clarify variables.

  • Importance: Ensures terms are quantifiable not based solely on common definitions.

Types of Variables

  • Independent & Dependent Variables:

    • Independent Variable (IV): Controlled/manipulated by the researcher to observe effects.

    • Dependent Variable (DV): Outcome affected by the IV, measured to assess the impact of changes.

Practice in Identifying Variables

  1. Intelligence Testing with Fluorescent Light Exposure:

    • a. Identify the IV: Type of lighting exposure.

    • b. Identify the DV: Intelligence level as measured by IQ.

  2. Exercise & Stress Effects:

    • a. Identify the IV: Type of exercise (no activity, aerobics, resistance training).

    • b. Identify the DV: Stress level pre-and post-exercise.

Variable Types in Research

  1. Quantitative & Qualitative Variables:

  • Quantitative: Numerical representation of magnitude.

  • Qualitative: Non-numeric values indicating type/kind without numerical measures.

  1. Manipulated & Non-manipulated Variables:

  • Manipulated Variables: The IV directly controlled by the experimenter.

  • Non-manipulated Variables (Subject Related Variables/SRVs): Characteristics over which the researcher has no control (age, IQ, etc.).

  • Types of SRVs:

    • Selected Variables: Personal descriptors (age, gender).

    • Natural Treatments: Unplanned life events impacting the subject.

Extraneous/Confounding Variables

  • Definition: Variables that are not controlled in the experiment, possibly influencing outcomes.

  • Importance: A confound can obscure the true effects of the IV, complicating results.

  • Consideration: Control for potential confounds to ensure clarity in findings.