Chapter 2 – Research Methods

How to cite an online article using APA Brandt, Michelle L. (2005, November 9).Gender differences are a laughing matter, study reveals. Stanford Report. Retrieved from http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/november9/med-humor

Do you like watching the 3 Stooges? 98 62 GIRLS BOYS

Psychological Research 1. Naturalistic Observation Observing behavior in its natural setting 2. Case Studies Intensive study of one or more participants 3. Surveys Interviews and questionnaires

5. Cross Sectional Studies 4. Longitudinal Studies Data collected over long period Characteristics changed or remained? 5. Cross Sectional Studies Data collected from groups of different ages Data compared 6. Correlation and Explanation Measuring relationships between two variables or data 7. Experiments Scientific Method used Investigator controls the situation

Groups – 2 Types 1. Experimental Group 2. Control Group Group to which an independent variable is applied 2. Control Group Group in which an independent variable is not applied

Variables – 2 Types 1. Independent Variable 2. Dependent Variable The one the experimenter changes to observe the effect 2. Dependent Variable The one that changes because of the independent variable

Problems and Solutions Self-fulfilling prophecy Having expectations about a behavior Unknowingly acting in ways to make the behavior happen. Avoiding a self-fulfilling prophecy Double-blind experiment Neither the experimenter nor the participants know which participants receive which treatment

The Placebo Effect A change resulting from a belief rather than the actual treatment

Ethics in Experiments Methods of conduct for proper and responsible behavior The APA has published a set of principles to govern research.

Ethics in Experiments Minimize discomfort and pain No physical or psychological harm Obtain informed consent Debrief Keep Confidential

Ethics in Experiments Research proposals must be approved by the local institutional review board (IRB)

Statistical Evaluation Let’s look at the data (statistics) and arrange it in a meaningful and orderly way (descriptive statistics). Looking at the statistics, how often does a particular score occur? (frequency distribution)

Organizing Data Scatter plot Histogram Frequency Polygon Frequency Curve

1. Central Tendency A number that describes something about the “average” score of a distribution Be Happy

1. Central Tendency Mean Median Mode Average Middle Most

2. Variance

A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curve Standard deviation A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curve

A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curve F

Correlation Coefficients Describes the relationship, direction, and strength of two sets of observations. Positive + and Negative - Does not show cause and effect Be Happy

Correlation tables Positive Correlation Negative Correlation 5 75 112 1590 450 45 5 75 112 Positive Correlation Negative Correlation

Y = Dependent Variable X = Independent Variable

Inferential Statistics Probability and Chance

Statistical Significance Researchers perform a variety of tests to rule out probability and chance. When researchers conclude that their findings are statistically significant they can form a theory.

Professional Journals in Psychology The results are published. Professional Journals in Psychology