The Cycle of Science Research question about the real world Research question about the real world Theory Interpretation Statistical analyses Statistical analyses Data gathering Data gathering Research hypothesis Research hypothesis

Research Methods in Psychology ■ The goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, change, prevent, increase, explain, predict, change, prevent, increase, decrease, modify, shape, extinguish, cause, decrease, modify, shape, extinguish, cause, and control behavior. and control behavior. ■These goals are accomplished by using the ■ These goals are accomplished by using the scientific method, which is systematic and scientific method, which is systematic and empirical... [that is]... based on observable empirical... [that is]... based on observable [and measurable] events. [and measurable] events.

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a single person or event. Although the findings of a case study may apply only to the person who was studied, they may provide direction for further study using other methods. To study behavior in real-life settings, psychologists often use naturalistic observation. This technique also may suggest research projects using more controlled approaches. In using naturalistic observation, the onlooker must be unobtrusive and avoid influencing the behavior being studied. Extracted from Prentice-Hall Ch. 1 PP Slide Show for Davis & Palladino Text, Psychology, 4th Edition. Dr. Vessels’ additions are shown in brackets. Case Studies & Naturalistic Observation

Correlational Research ● Correlational studies do not inform us about cause; rather, they reveal relationships and help us form reasonable hypotheses (informed predictions) about whether or not one event or variable causes another]. Correlational research tells whether the values of two ● Correlational research tells whether the values of two variables are related. variables are related.

Because it can... [support] cause-and- effect statements,... the experimental method is the most powerful... By manipulating an independent variable (the possible cause), the researcher... [can determine with reasonable certainty].... whether [or not] it influences the dependent variable (the effect). Extracted from Prentice-Hall Ch. 1 PP Slide Show for Davis & Palladino Text, Psychology, 4th Edition. Dr. Vessels’ additions are shown in brackets. Experimental Research

Types of Research Design True experimental research design –Searches for cause-and-effect relationships in a “manipulated environment” –Randomly assigns subjects to groups –Manipulates at least one independent variable, i.e. treatment, program –Compares data results between groups and/or within each group over time (pre-post)

Types of Research Design Quasi-experimental research design –Searches for cause-and-effect relationships in a “manipulated environment” –Does not randomly assign subjects to groups –Manipulates at least one independent variable, i.e. treatments or programs. –Compares data results between groups and/or within each group over time (pre- post)

Principles for Conducting Research with Human Participants Respect and consideration for participants: ● Informed Consent: ● provision of information about, e.g. objectives of study (ensure promises realistic) what is required of participants ● competence of potential participants ● freedom to give voluntary consent ● Deception: ● to be avoided if possible (controversy here) ● Debriefing ● to complete participant understanding Respect and consideration for participants: ● Informed Consent: ● provision of information about, e.g. objectives of study (ensure promises realistic) what is required of participants ● competence of potential participants ● freedom to give voluntary consent ● Deception: ● to be avoided if possible (controversy here) ● Debriefing ● to complete participant understanding

More Ethical Principles for Conducting Research with Human Participants ● Right to withdraw from the investigation any time during the study ● Confidentiality concerning involvement and data collected from or about ● Protection of participants from physical/ psychological harm and from the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions ● Right to withdraw from the investigation any time during the study ● Confidentiality concerning involvement and data collected from or about ● Protection of participants from physical/ psychological harm and from the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions

Data Protection Obtaining data –Legitimate interest (limited to requirements) –Consent (informed as to storage, use, etc.) Processing and storing –Manual or electronic –Security Disclosing –Awareness, security, permission Deleting or archiving –Period, reason, security

Informed Consent Participants should not be: –Physically harmed –Psychologically harmed –Forced to participate, or be unreasonably compelled to participate –Informed about the... (2003 APA additions) (a) true nature of the experimental treatment; (b) treatments or services that will not be administered to the control group; control group; (c) assignment of participants in the treatment and control groups; groups; (d) right to withdraw from the study; (e) the right to receive alternative treatments; and (e) amount of monetary compensation for participation

Protecting Participants Anonymous data – the researcher cannot identify participants Confidential data – the researcher only can identify participants

Levels of Risk to Participants No risk – anonymous educational testing, observing public behavior, studying publicly available documents, etc. Minimal risk – taking recordings using physical sensors, having healthy volunteers doing moderate exercise, doing research on such topics as perception, cognition, etc. More than minimal risk – research involving deception and debriefing, collecting confidential responses regarding potentially embarrassing behaviors, etc.