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Psychological Research Module Overview

Acknowledgments This presentation is based on and includes content derived from the following OER resource: Psychology An OpenStax book used for this course may be downloaded for free at: https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology

Why is Scientific Research Important? Scientific research is a critical tool for successfully navigating our complex society. Without it, we would be forced to rely solely on intuition, other people’s authority, or blind luck. Research enables scientists to separate fact from opinions. Good information generated from research aids in making wise decisions, both in public policy and in our personal lives.

The Process of Scientific Research Scientific knowledge is advanced through a process known as the scientific method. Ideas (in the form of theories and hypotheses) are tested against the real world (in the form of empirical observations). Empirical observations are grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be observed time and time again, regardless of who is observing. These observations lead to more ideas, and the process repeats. The scientific process is circular. The types of reasoning within the circle are called deductive reasoning (ideas tested against the empirical world) and inductive reasoning (empirical observations leading to new ideas).

Scientific Method of Research The flow of the scientific method of research: A theory is used to form a hypothesis. A study is designed to test the hypothesis. Research is performed. A theory is created or modified through observation.

Different Psychological Research Methods, Part 1 Clinical or case studies involve studying just a few individuals for an extended period of time. While a wealth of information can be gained, the ability to generalize these observations to the larger population is problematic. Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in a natural setting and allows for the collection of valid, true-to-life information from realistic situations. But naturalistic observation does not allow for much control and often requires quite a lot of time and money to perform.

Different Psychological Research Methods, Part 2 Surveys make it possible to collect large amounts of data quickly and can be administered in number of ways. However, the information that can be collected through surveys is somewhat limited compared to a clinical or case study. Archival research involves studying existing data sets to answer research questions. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. Cross-sectional research compares multiple segments of a population at the same time.

Correlation Research Correlation means that there is a relationship between two or more variables, but this relationship does not necessarily imply cause and effect. When two variables are correlated, it means that as one variable changes, so does the other. Correlation is measured by calculating a statistic known as a correlation coefficient. Correlation does not tell us anything about causation, regardless of how strong the relationship is between variables.

Illusory Correlations Illusory, or false, correlation occurs when people believe that a relationship exists between two things that have no such relationship. The mistake of illusory correlation tends to happen with unsystematic observations. A well-known illusory correlation is the supposed effect of the moon’s phases on human behavior. Some people assert that human behavior is affected by the phase of the moon and that people act strangely when the moon is full.

Conducting and Designing the Experiment, Part 1 In scientific context, an experiment has precise requirements for design and implementation. A researcher must have a specific hypothesis to be tested and must precisely define (operationalize) the experiment. An operational definition is a description of how variables will be measured. Basic experiment design involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group. These two groups are the same except for one difference: experimental manipulation.

Conducting and Designing the Experiment, Part 2 During the experiment, the researcher must guard against experimenter bias, the possibility that a researcher's expectations might skew the results. Often a double-blind study, in which both researchers and participants are “blind” to group assignments, is used so that both experimenter and participant expectations can be controlled. A double-blind study is often used to control the placebo effect, which occurs when people’s expectations or beliefs influence their experience in a given situation. The term placebo effect is commonly used in medication testing.

Experimental Findings and Reporting Research Psychologists report their research findings in peer-reviewed journal articles. Published research is checked by several other psychologists who serve as a filter separating ideas that are supported by evidence from ideas that are not. Replication is important in ensuring the legitimacy of published research. Only those findings that can be replicated consistently will achieve consensus in the scientific community.

Research Involving Human Participants Experimental research involving human subjects is highly regulated to ensure that participants are not harmed. All research institutions that receive federal support must have access to an institutional review board, a committee comprised of the institution’s administration, scientists, and community members. The purpose of the board is to review proposals for research that involve human participants. Each participant must sign an informed consent form before they can take part in an experiment. The form provides a written description of what participants can expect during the experiment.

Research Involving Animal Subjects Ninety percent of all animal research in psychology uses rodents or birds as the subjects of experiments. Many basic processes in animals are similar to those in humans, making animals acceptable substitutes for research that would be considered unethical in human participants. Researchers must design experiments to minimize any pain or distress to animal subjects. The review board for animal experiment proposals is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC requires the humane treatment of animal research subjects and conducts inspections of animal facilities for compliance.

How to Study this Module Read the syllabus or schedule of assignments regularly. Understand key terms; look up and define all unfamiliar words and terms. Take notes on your readings, assigned media, and lectures. Discuss topics with classmates. Review your notes routinely. Make flow charts and outlines from your notes to help you study for assessments. Complete all course assessments.

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