PSYC102: The Building Blocks of Psychological Research

Introduction to the Scientific Method

  • Dr. Ruth Croxton, PSYC102: The Building Blocks of Psychological Research.

Session Overview

  • Introduction to applying the scientific method in psychology.

Session Learning Objectives

  • Understand how to begin applying the scientific method to answer interesting questions in psychological research.

Purpose of Research Methods

  • Why do we conduct research methods?

    • Ask a question.

    • Get an answer.

    • Increase understanding of psychological phenomena.

The Scientific Method in Psychology

  1. Question: Identify the area of interest or question to explore.

  2. Hypothesis: Formulate a testable statement based on the question.

  3. Test Hypothesis: Implement the methodology to test the hypothesis.

  4. Analyze Results: Evaluate the data collected from testing the hypothesis.

  5. Draw Conclusions: Interpret the results to see if they support the hypothesis.

Case Study: Listening to Mozart

  • Statement for evaluation: "Listening to Mozart can make you more intelligent."

    • Designing a Study: Considerations include:

    • What is your hypothesis? (E.g. Listening to Mozart increases IQ).

    • Who are your participants? (E.g. Age, background).

    • What activities will participants engage in? (E.g. Listening sessions).

    • What measures will be taken? (E.g. IQ tests before and after).

    • How will you decide if an effect exists? (E.g. Statistical analysis).

Initial Study on Mozart Effect

  • Conducted at the University of California.

  • Published in 1993 in the journal Nature.

Subsequent Research on the Mozart Effect

  • Further studies investigating the effects and implications of the Mozart Effect on intelligence.

Seminar Focus for the Week

  • Thinking like a (sceptical) psychologist.

  • Evaluating and critiquing scientific claims made in media.

  • Assessing the impact of “scientific” claims in psychology.

  • Discussing whether research is presented fairly and what factors affect public perception.

  • Understanding the potential impact of media’s (mis)communication of research findings.

Activity 1: Analyzing Headlines

  • Task: Consider the following headlines to evaluate:

    • What are your first impressions of each headline?

    • What might be the potential impacts of these headlines?

Example Headlines Analyzed

  • Headline: "Could the police replay murder victims' memories after they DIE?"

    • Claim: Scientists have found genetic markers in brains that could help recover memories after death.

    • Implication: Potential for solving murder cases by accessing memories of deceased individuals.

  • Published by: MailOnline, in an article discussing the scientific breakthrough.

Activity 2: Find Your Own Headline

  • Task: Locate a headline making a scientific claim related to psychology.

    • Source: Can be from a newspaper article, blog, or social media post.

    • Purpose: Analyze the claim from a sceptical scientific perspective and develop research ideas for testing the claim.

Final Points and Suggested To-Do List

  • Read through the module handbook thoroughly.

  • Revisit and organize today's PowerPoint notes (consider how to structure learning materials).

  • Identify a headline for discussion in the seminar.

  • Enjoy the transition into student life.

  • Contact instructor for any queries regarding weekly materials.