Research Methods

Research Methods

1. Theories

   • tentative explanations of facts and relationships

2. Hypothesis

   • A prediction based on theory

3. Basis of Scientific Method

   • Follow strict rules of evidence
   • Critical thinking of Evidence
   • Making observations in a systematic way

4. 5 Steps in Scientific Investigation

   • 1) Formulate a testable hypothesis
   • 2) Select the research method and design
   • 3) Collect the data
   • 4) Analyze the data & draw the conclusions
   • 5) Report findings

5. Experimental Method

   • Independent Variable (Manipulated)
     • A factor that's intentionally varied by the experimenter
   • Dependent Variable (Responding)
     • A factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable
   • Experimental Group
     • consists of subjects who receive some special treatment in regard to the independent variable
   • Control Group
     • Serves as standard of comparison - no independent variable
   • Extraneous Variable
     • Other than the independent variable that seems likely to influence the dependent variable in a specific study
   • Advantages
     • Experiments done under very controlled conditions, therefore it allows results about cause and effect relationships
   • Disadvantages
     • Artificial, it makes one wonder if the conclusions do apply to everyday behaviour outside the lab

6. Three descriptive Methods

   • Naturalistic Observation
     • Observation of behaviour without intervening directly with the subjects
       • Advantage
         • Less Artificial
       • Disadvantage
         • To not be unobtrusive
   • Case Studies
     • In-depth investigation of an individual subject(s) with various data collection
   • Surveys
     • Questionnaires / Interviews used to gather information about specific aspects of subjects behaviour
   • Advantage
     • Explore questions that could not be examined with experimental procedures / Broadens area of study
   • Disadvantage
     • Cannot demonstrate conclusively that two variables are casually related ( no cause / effect)

7. Central Tendency

   • Median
     • arranging all numbers numericall order to find the central figure
   • Mean (Average)
     • Add up the value of each measurement and divide by the number of observations
   • Mode
     • Number that occurs most frequently in the data

8. Variability

   • Standard Deviation
     • The more different the numbers are from each other the larger the standard deviation

9. Correlation

   • Discovering a strong association between two variables both of which are measured
   • Positive Correlation
     • High values on one measure are related to high values on another measure (low to low)
       • Ex. More hours studying ; Higher grades
   • Negative Correlation
     • High values on one measure are related to low values on another measure
       • Ex. Large consumption of alcohol ; Lower grades

10. Normal Distribution

    • A function that represents the distribution of multiple variables as a symmetrical bell-shaped graph

11. Causation

    • provides a means connecting conduct with a concluding effect

12. Sample Representative

    • Group of subjects selected for a study from a large population
    • Sample Bias
      • When sample does not have same components as the population

13. Placebo Effects

    • Refers to change that occurs because people expect change
      • Problem : If one expects a negative effect

14. Distortion in Self-Report Data

    • Self-Report Data
      • Information given by the subject about the subject
    • Social Desirability Bias
      • tendency to give socially approved answers when questioned about oneself
    • Implicit Measures
      • can provide self-report data that bypasses one's consciousness

15. Rosenthal's Research on Experimental Bias

    • " Quite unconsciously, a psychologist interacts in subtle ways with the people he is studying so that he may get the response he expects to get"

16. Principles of Ethical Research

    • Respect for the dignity of Persons
      • Protect rights and privacy, no discrimination, protect the vulnerable
    • Responsible Caring
      • activities should benefit not harm others
    • Integrity in Relationships
      • includes clients, students, research participants
    • Responsibility to Society
      • To increase knowledge and benefit people

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