Unit 1: Science of Psychology WHS AP Psychology Unit 1: Science of Psychology Essential Task 1-4: Differentiate types of Research with regard to purpose, strengths and weaknesses -Descriptive Research: Case Studies, Naturalistic Observation and Surveys -Correlational Research -Experimental Research Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B=76 Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184 Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

The Science of Psychology Approaches to Psych Growth of Psych Research Methods Statistics Descriptive Correlation Experiment Case Study Survey Naturalistic Observation Inferential Ethics Sampling Central Tendency Variance Careers We are here

Essential Task 1-4: Hypothesis vs. Theory Types of Research Outline Hypothesis vs. Theory Types of Research Descriptive Purpose Strengths and Weaknesses 1. Case Studies 2. Surveys 3. Naturalistic Observation Correlational Experimental

Hypothesis Hypothesis is a testable prediction that lets us accept, reject or revise a theory. If families do not stress gender differences then there will be fewer sex differences in siblings. 5

Theory Theory is an EXPLANATION based on evidence that PREDICTS behaviors or events. A Theory must: 1. Fit the known facts 2. Predict new discoveries 3. Be falsifiable 4. be simple. The simpler the better – Occam’s Razor If we were to observe that depressed people talk about their past, present, and future in a gloomy manner, we may theorize that low-self-esteem contributes to depression. 6

Start with observations Observe and describe the world with descriptive research Form a hypothesis from your observations Test your hypothesis. Re-test your hypothesis Then test it gain. If it holds up you have a theory

1. Observe the physiological reactions to fear Pupils dilate Flushing Breathing increases Heart beat increases Sphincters release All of these shots are taken from the Fear Factory at Niagara falls. Pictures are taken the moment a very scary thing happens much like ride photos on a amusement park ride.

1. Form Hypothesis from your observations If humans have a physiological reaction to a stimulus, they will experience an emotion. (James-Lange Theory of Emotion)

Descriptive Research Purpose – To describe what is in reality Strengths Certain descriptive research methods can be quick You can generalize (apply to more than just those from which you sampled) your findings with some descriptive research methods Weaknesses Can’t help you predict Can’t give you cause and effect Each descriptive research method has their own weaknesses as well

3 Types of Descriptive Research Naturalistic Observation Survey Case Studies

Correlational Research Purpose – to show relationship between two variables. Strength – If you know how they are related you can predict outcomes. Weakness – Correlation is not causation.

Experimental Research Purpose – to establish cause and effect relationships between variables. Strength – You find out if one variable (IV) causes a change in another variable (DV) Weakness – Confounding variables, experimenter bias, etc.

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