Methods
Wow, this is science… Research question Form a hypothesis Testing Analyze results Draw conclusions
How to collect information: Testing Survey Method Populations and Samples Selecting Samples Generalization Volunteer Bias
Observation Testing Method Case-Study Method Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Methods Naturalistic-Observation Method Laboratory-Observation Method
Analyzing Observations Correlation : a measure of how closely one thing is related to another. The stronger the correlation, the more closely they are related. e.g. Shoe size and IQ Positive or negative Stress & health, Alcohol consumption & inhibition? DOES NOT EQUAL CAUSATION!
Experimentation Variables Independent variable (IV) = manipulated Dependent variable (DV) = measured e.g. Fish food & sluggish fish Groups Experimental = receives treatment Control = doesn’t receive treatment Fish food… Placebo : a substance or treatment that has no effect apart from a person’s belief in it Single Blind Study Double Blind Study
Ethics Promote Dignity of the individual, foster human welfare, and maintain scientific integrity American Psychological Association (APA) Confidentiality Informed consent Deception When they believe that the benefits outweigh harm, that the individual might have been willing, or receive an explanation afterwards
Animal Research Easier, cost effective e.g. maze running When they cannot be ethically done with people e.g. brain studies When no other option, and benefit outweighs harm Strict rules and regulations e.g. species selection, review of study, etc.
Data Ethics Be objective Willingness to discard a disproven hypothesis