Human Diversity Why learn about human diversity? Psychologists have begun to examine assumptions based on gender, race, and culture. [] Why learn about human diversity? Today, understanding human diversity is essential. Major cities are home to people from diverse backgrounds with diverse values and goals. But close proximity does not produce harmony. [] Psychologists have begun to examine assumptions based on gender, race, and culture. e.g. Are women more likely than men to help a person in distress? (etc.)
Gender Gender stereotypes Feminist psychology Sexual orientation The study of gender similarities and differences has become part of mainstream psychology. Gender stereotypes--how males and females are “typically” like Gender roles--cultural expectations about how members of each sex are to behave [] Feminist psychology Result of concern over results of many studies based on subjects who were all male. Results of gender differences were often interpreted to show women as “lacking,” and small differences were considered extreme. Research questions posed by female psychologists can vary from what male psychologists pose. [] Sexual orientation Basis of sexual attraction--same sex, opposite sex, or both. Research in this area is still just beginning.
Race and Ethnicity Most ethnic minorities are still underrepresented within the field. Psychologists are working to uncover and overcome biases in psychological research. [] Most ethnic minorities are still underrepresented among the ranks of psychologists. New APA programs are in place to attract ethnic-minority students to psychology. [] Psychologists are working to uncover and overcome biases in psychological research. Psychologists have developed a better appreciation for the unique challenges faced by individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. Field is developing a highly expansive and inclusive approach.
Culture Modes of thinking, acting, and communicating about how the world works and why people behave as they do Culture influences Cross-cultural research [] Modes of thinking, acting, and communicating about how the world works and why people behave as they do [] Culture influences Much of what we think of as defining us as human are elements of culture-- Beliefs and ideals Interpretation of the meaning of natural events, human actions and life itself. [] Cross-cultural research
Research Methods
Naturalistic Observation Observing and recording the behavior of humans or animals in their natural environment Advantages? Disadvantages? [] Naturalistic Observation Observing and recording the behavior of humans or animals in their natural environment [] Advantages can observe what occurs before and after target behavior insight into the important factors to study no artificiality of the laboratory [] Disadvantages less control over variables cannot imply causality observer bias target behavior only occurs once
Case Studies Detailed description of a single individual or just a few individuals. Advantages? Disadvantages? Case Studies [] Detailed description of a single individual or just a few individuals. [] Advantages rich description of an individual each individual serves as own control no large groups of participants no random assignment [] Disadvantages observer bias generalizability is decreased by small sample size the individual being studied may be an exception
Surveys Questionnaires or interviews are administered to a selected group of people. Advantages? Disadvantages? Surveys [] A research technique in which questionnaires or interviews are administered to a selected group of people. [] Advantages large quantity of information relatively inexpensive [] Disadvantages respondents may not be representative response biases truthfulness of responses
Correlational Research To find a relationship between two or more variables Advantages? Disadvantages? Correlational Research [] A research technique based on finding if there is a naturally occurring relationship between two or more variables. [] Advantages description and prediction possible [] Disadvantages no control over variables cannot imply cause-and-effect
Experimental Method An investigator deliberately manipulates some variable and measures the effects on subsequent behavior. Independent variable Dependent variable Experimental group Treatment group Advantages? Disadvantages? Experimental method [] An investigator deliberately manipulates selected events or circumstances and then measures the effects of those manipulations on subsequent behavior. Independent variable: The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter to test its effects Dependent variable: The variable that is measured to see how it is changed by the independent variable Experimental group: The group subjected to a change in the independent variable Control group: The group not subjected to a change in the independent variable [] Advantages conclusions about causality can be made [] Disadvantages behavior is constrained to laboratory Important to avoid experimenter bias more ethical considerations Many researchers will use different methods to study the same phenomenon, or multimethod research.
Sampling Sample Random sample Representative sample Sampling The importance of sampling derives from how choice of participants could influence findings, unintentionally. [] Sample Selection of cases from a larger population [] Random sample Each potential participant has an equal chance of being selected [] Representative sample The characteristics of the participants corresponds closely to the characteristics of the larger population