Research in Psychology

Sometimes over generalizes Case Study One individual (or small group) studied over an extended period of time in depth Sometimes over generalizes Must answer questions with other methods (tests, interviews, diaries, etc.)

“free and reduced lunch” vs. “economically disadvantaged” Survey Looking at many cases in less depth Quick and fairly easy to distribute and collect information Wording effects can give you different results “aide to the needy” vs. “welfare” “free and reduced lunch” vs. “economically disadvantaged” Questionnaire or interview Random sampling A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance to be included.

Naturalistic Observation Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation. Behaviors may be overlooked or if the one being observed notices that they are being watched, behaviors may change Observe participants in natural environment; don’t need permission since there isn’t any manipulation

Point to Remember.. A case study, survey, or naturalistic observation does not explain behaviors, it just describes it!

Cross-sectional Study Individuals are organized by into groups by age Groups are then randomly sampled, and the members of each group are surveyed, tested, or observed at the same time Less expensive than longitudinal studies and less time consuming

Longitudinal Study Studying the same group of people on a regular basis over a period of years Looks at changes in behaviors and tries to understand what caused these changes Time-consuming and risky (participants can sometimes leave in the middle of the duration of the study) Study consistencies and inconsistencies over time

Describes a relationship between two things Correlation Describes a relationship between two things One trait or behavior accompanies another One predicts the other Scatterplots Positive Negative (one score goes up and the other goes down) No Relationship

scatterplots

Illusory Correlations A perceived nonexistent correlation between two things Help explain superstitious beliefs Being outside in the cold and wet causes one to get sick (not true…viruses cause it)

Point to Remember… Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause and effect relationship but it does not prove causation.

Independent and dependent variables exist Experiments Can control the situation and reduce outside variables that may influence the results Experimental (group being studied based on manipulation of variables) and control groups (used for comparison) are present Independent and dependent variables exist

Experimental Condition vs. Control Condition Exposed to the treatment Control: Without the treatment Used as the comparison

Independent vs. Dependent Variables Independent (cause): The factor that is manipulated Variable whose effect is being studied Breast milk(experimental)/ Formula (control) Dependent (effect): Outcome factor The one that is being changed due to the manipulations of the independent variable Intelligence score

Describing Data Mean Average Preferred measure of tendency but very sensitive to extremes Median Middle Less sensitive but doesn’t take into account all the information in the data points Mode Most frequently occurring Least common, but quick if data is not in order Range Difference between high and low Standard Deviation Determines if scores are packed together or dispersed

Testing Methods Validity Reliability Consistency Repeatability The extent to which an instrument measures/predicts what it is supposed to Example: solving algebra problems would not measure your understanding of Psychology Consistency Repeatability Same scores/results each time