Research experiment mini lecture 2

Introduction

• Focus on the question: Does mindfulness meditation reduce anxiety in adults?

• Exploration of the scientific method to investigate this question.

The Scientific Method

• Five components of the scientific method, with focus on the first three: Theory, Hypothesis, Experiment.

Theory

• Definition: A systematic way of organizing and explaining observations.

• Key theories in psychology:

  • Lazarus and Folkman’s Theory of Stress and Coping: published in the 1970s and 80s; posits that different coping strategies affect stress levels.

  • Freudian Theory: examines the impact of the unconscious mind on behavior, using examples like Anna Owen’s aversions linked to childhood experiences.

• Theories provide a foundation for research, linking mindfulness practice to reduced psychopathology, such as anxiety.

Hypothesis

• Definition: A specific, testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

• Importance: It must be clear and measurable.

• Research Question: Does mindfulness meditation reduce anxiety?

• Hypothesis Example: A mindfulness meditation program will reduce anxiety.

Experimentation

• Definition of an Experiment: A method where a variable is manipulated under controlled conditions to observe effects on a dependent variable.

• An experiment can establish causal relationships between variables.

• Example setup:

  • Manipulation: Provide one group with mindfulness meditation and a control group with no intervention.

  • Measurement: Assess anxiety levels in both groups after the intervention period.

Methodological Steps in Empirical Research

1. Framing the Hypothesis: Predict relationships between variables (mindfulness reduces anxiety).

2. Operationalizing Variables: Clearly define and measure each variable.

3. Procedure Development: Create a structured approach for the experiment.

4. Participant Selection: Choose who will be tested in the experiment.

5. Testing Findings: Conduct the experiment and analyze data.

6. Drawing Conclusions: Interpret results from the study.

Variables

• Definition: Any phenomena that can take on multiple values.

  • Types of Variables:

    • Continuous Variables: e.g., age, weight; measured on a scale.

    • Categorical Variables: fixed values; e.g., eye color, type of fruit.

Experimental Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): The condition manipulated by the investigator (e.g., type of intervention - mindfulness vs. control).

• Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome measured, expected to change due to manipulation (e.g., levels of anxiety).

Operationalizing Variables

• Clearly define and standardize variables:

  • Example: Mindfulness meditation program should be consistent across all participants.

  • Control group should also have a standardized experience (e.g., reading the same book).

Measuring Anxiety

• Different methods for measuring anxiety:

  • Clinical interviews

  • Behavioral observations

  • Self-reported anxiety scales (should be reliable and valid).

Sample Selection

• Population: The entire group of interest (e.g., adults with anxiety disorders).

• Sampling: Use a random, representative sample to allow for generalization of results.

• Example: Ensure proportional representation across various demographics (e.g., age, gender).

Implications of Sample Quality

• A representative sample allows conclusions to be drawn about the broader population; non-representative samples limit generalizability.

• Example of maintaining sample ratio:

  • From 1,000 students, ensure proportional representation across various disciplines for accurate results.

Conclusion

• Overview of key concepts: theory, hypothesis, and experimental methods.

• Prepared to conduct the study based on understanding of independent and dependent variables, operational definitions, and representative sampling.