Developmental Psychology Unit 1B: Introducing Research methods 32 Slides

Let’s look at the research involved in studying human development 32 Slides

Research Designs Type Characteristics Pros Cons Case Study Study of individuals Flexibility Reduced generalizability Ethnographic Study of cultures Universality of phenomena Observer bias Correlational Positive or negative relationships Enables prediction Cannot establish cause & effect Experiment Controlled procedures Establish cause & effect 32 Slides 3

Research Methods Quantitative Objectively measurable data Standardized tests Physiological changes Qualitative Non-numerical data Feelings Beliefs 32 Slides 4

Scientific Method: Quantitative Research The scientific Method 1. Identify Problem 2. Formulate Hypotheses 3. Collect Data 4. Analyze Data 5. Form Conclusions 6. Share Findings 32 Slides 5

RESEARCH METHODS Two strategies for exploring causes Experiments manipulating variables The scientific method, independent and dependent variables, control groups, placebos, random assignments and “all things being equal”. Ethics! Correlational studies Self Reports, Surveys, Case studies & Naturalistic Observations Correlation does not mean Causation We must be aware of and control for Validity vs. Reliability (see later slide) Bias 32 Slides

Data collection: Sampling We can’t study the entire population of the world. So we have to take a sample. How that sample is chosen is important to the research. Sample A smaller group within the population Studying the entire population is inefficient A representative sample means that the research groups members represent the population being studied. If you want to study adults it would be stupid to have children in the sample studied. 32 Slides 7

Data collection: Sampling Random samples are groups made of individuals in the population chosen with a statistically random approach. The scientist may randomly select his friends for the experiment, but his friends are probably representative of scientists making the sample corrupt because it is a specific group, not a random one. Randomness gives each person in population an equal chance of being in either the experimental or control group(s) which helps avoid unintentional differences between groups The Nielsen ratings are a sample of the U.S. population that are tested to see what they are watching on TV. But it includes mostly white anglo saxon middle aged families. Do you think the Hispanic and Asian and Black families want to watch the same things? Nielson had a bad sample! 32 Slides 8

Data Collection: Self-Reports Diaries Recording daily activities Interviews Research ask questions about attitudes, opinions, or behavior Can be open-ended or a questionnaire 32 Slides 9

Data Collection: Naturalistic Observation ‘People Watching’ Behavior is observed in natural settings without interfering Limitations Can not infer causes of behavior Researcher cannot know all possible influences on behavior 32 Slides 10

Data Collection: Laboratory Observation Behavior is observed and recorded in a controlled environment. We are more likely to identify and control causal influences. Limitation: Observer Bias: A researcher’s tendency to interpret data to fit expectations. 32 Slides 11

Data collection: Validity and Reliability The Validity and Reliability of the data must be assured. Validity and reliability are not the same thing though we tend to use them interchangeably in our common speech. My weight scale at home is very reliable. It gives me the same weight one minute after I last weighed myself. It does not fluctuate between weighings. My scale at home is completely invalid. It is not valid because the weight it gives me is 10 pounds less than my actual weight. (I set it back to make me feel better). How about your alarm clock?? The lack of validity does not effect its reliable rendering of the same weight over and over again. A test is valid only if it measures what it is supposed to measure. 32 Slides 12

Statistics There is a saying about statistics and their lies You have to be sure what the facts are Watch the video and think about what it is saying Out cleans which of the top five vacuums? They are not comparing themselves to vacuums with cords and they do it so well you do not realize it!! 32 Slides

Behavioral and Performance Measures Objective (rather than subjective) measures Using Mechanical and electronic devices Assessing skills, knowledge, and abilities objectively Heart rate Brain activity Intelligence tests 32 Slides 14

There are many ways to gather Psychological data. Research Methods There are many ways to gather Psychological data. Natural Observation Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 15

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Naturalistic Observation is a type of voyeurism. It involves watching people or animals in their natural habitat without controlling any aspect of the environment. No manipulation is allowed. The scientist simply records the activity. There is no information about why behavior is happening. The record of behavior will be analyzed later looking for correlations. Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 16

Naturalistic Observation Correlations Correlations do not mean causations! 32 Slides 17

Naturalistic Observation Correlations Snow in New York Correlation – when one variable changes with respect to another. If both go in the same direction it is positive correlation. If both go in opposite direction then it is negative correlation. The Correlational coefficient ranges from -1 to +1 What do you think the correlation is between these three pictures? Sun and fun and ice cream eating in Sydney 32 Slides 18

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Interviews Face to Face questioning. Information is obtained by asking specific questions and recording the answers. Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 19

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Questionnaires Not a face to face approach. Subjects are presented with written questions and asked to write their answers on a computer or a piece of paper. Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 20

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Case Studies TIME! Longitudinal studies. Developing a record of many individuals over an extended period of time. Following them through their life and giving them questionnaires at different times during their life. Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 21

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Experimental methods Methods of gathering scientific data, in which procedures are closely controlled and the experimenter manipulates variables to determine how one variable affects others. The independent variable is controlled and changed by the experimenter. The dependent variable is “dependent” on the different phases of the independent variable. Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 22

Experimental Terms Independent variable – Experimenter has direct control over this variable (heat in the room) Dependant variable – Something that may or may not change as result of changes in independent variable (how much sweating occurs) Experimental group – the group of subjects that are manipulated in the experiment. Control Group – the group of subjects that are not given experimental changes. Placebo – a “fake” variable given to a group to see if it effects the group. (Sugar pills instead of a drug) 32 Slides 23

Research Methods – Named Natural Observation Standardized testing Many arguments surround the validity of the results of standardized testing. They are reliable, but how valid are they? See the next slide for that discussion! Interviews Questionnaires Case Studies Experimental Standard Testing 32 Slides 24

Measures: Operational Definitions Defining what is abstract in objective terms is not always easy What is Intelligence? Is it just a score on a test? What does the test actually score? Are there different kinds of intelligence? Emotional intelligence Academic intelligence 32 Slides 25

Social Cognitive Neuroscience An emerging field bridging mind, brain, and behavior Uses data from: Cognitive neuroscience Social psychology Info-processing approaches 32 Slides 26

Experiments: Location Control over cause and effect varies depending on location: Laboratory – most control Field – controlled Everyday settings Home or school Natural – least control 32 Slides 27

RESEARCH METHODS Cross-sectional studies: Getting a single snapshot of groups Different age groups compared at the same time Gives differences between age groups Does not tell us the changes that occur with age Longitudinal studies: The gold standard developmental science design Test at intervals - one group over many years Requires lots of time and expense The longer it continues the more biased the sample becomes Sequential studies: A blending of both cross sectional and longitudinal studies 32 Slides

Longitudinal and Cross-sectional Designs 32 Slides 29

Sequential Designs 32 Slides 30

Emerging Research Trends Quantitative research Research scientists use a lot of statistical analysis We must Quantify the differences within groups Even Genetics is used as an independent variable If you don’t like math – try clinical psychology Qualitative research Involves in-depth studies of individuals 32 Slides

Ethics Balancing benefits or research against mental and physical risks to participants Considerations Right to informed consent Avoidance of deception Right to privacy Confidentiality 32 Slides 32