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Unit 0 Research Methods

Module 5: The Scientific Method

I. The Scientific Method

  • Definition: A step by step method used to conduct scientific research.

A. Hypothesis

  • Definition: A specific and testable statement of the expected outcome of research.

B. Falsifiable (Null) Hypothesis

  • Definition: A specific and testable statement that can be proven wrong by an experiment.

C. Operational Definitions

  • Definition: Defines a concept by how it will be measured in the research.

  • Characteristics:
      - Concrete and measurable.

1. Importance of Operational Definitions

  1. Replication
       - Definition: The ability for other researchers to repeat an experiment and obtain the same results.

  2. Generalizability
       - Definition: The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to other contexts or populations.
       - Example: If a research study finds that as the temperature increases (in increments of 5 degrees Fahrenheit), violent crimes also increase, one might apply these findings to different populations or settings.
       - Definition of violent crimes: Includes murders classified as 1st-3rd degree.

II. Types of Research

  • Definition: Research involves gathering and analyzing information to prove or disprove an idea.

A. Non-experimental and Experimental Research
B. Case Study

  • Definition: An individual or group is studied in-depth to extrapolate the findings to a broader context.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  1. Strengths
       1. Allows study of unusual behavior.
       2. Provides a large amount of data on a subject.

  2. Weaknesses
       1. Findings from one study may not be generalizable to the entire population.
       2. Cannot determine cause and effect.

C. Qualitative Data

  • Definition: Research that relies on in-depth data that cannot be translated into numbers.
       1. Examples include:
          - Interviews.
          - Case Studies.
          - Observations.

D. Quantitative Data

  1. Definition: Research that relies on numerical data.
       1. Example tools include:
          - Likert scales: Rating scales that measure the extent of agreement or disagreement with a statement.
          - Survey Monkey: An online survey tool.

C. Naturalistic Observation

  • Definition: Observing and recording behavior in natural situations without manipulating the environment.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  1. Strengths
       - Allows for research without influencing the subjects.

  2. Weaknesses
       - Observations are subjective.
       - Cannot determine cause and effect.

D. Meta-Analysis

  • Definition: A researcher collects all existing research on a particular topic and analyzes it to draw a single conclusion.

  • Importance: Increases the confidence in the findings from multiple studies.

  • Example: Analyzing 25 different studies on the effect of caffeine on memory to draw an overarching conclusion.

E. Correlation

  • Definition: A statistical method used to determine the relationship between two variables.

III. Collecting Research
A. Sample Population

  • Definition: A smaller group selected from a larger population.

  • Example: If a researcher wants to know the average hours high school students in the US sleep each night:
      - Population: All high school students in the US.
      - Sample Population: 500 students from around the US.

  • Use this data to generalize findings to the larger population.

B. Representative Sample

  • A sample that accurately reflects the population.

C. Sampling Bias

  • Definition: Occurs when the researcher's sample is not representative of the population.

D. Types of Sampling

  1. Random Sample
       - Definition: Every individual in the population has equal chances of being selected for the study, ensuring generalizability.

  2. Convenience Sample
       - Definition: A non-random sample where participants are selected based on their availability, which may lead to bias.

E. Survey Challenges

  • Surveys are commonly used to gather data. Several challenges can affect the reliability of survey results:

a. Wording Problems

  • Definition: The way a question is phrased can influence the answer received from respondents.

b. Self-Report Bias

  • Definition: A situation in which a person gives inaccurate or misleading answers to a survey, which can be intentional or unintentional.

c. Social Desirability Bias

  • Definition: Intentional bias where a person answers questions based on what they believe will be viewed favorably by others, impacting the honesty of survey responses.