Methods of Studying Behavior The Role of the Scientific Method in Psychology

The Role… First it is empirical Observations must be classified. A theory is developed Induction Deduction Hypothesis

Introspection and Public Observation Introspectionism - literally ‘looking within’ Limitations -  Flaws in the perceptual process  It is inherently private in nature Operational definitions - an attempt to get around the problems of introspection.

Measures of Behavior Self-report - asks the person to indicate their behavior or mental state in some way. Think-aloud protocols - comments that provide a step by step analysis of the procedures used. Direct observation - this provides an alternative to self-report but is itself limiting.

Research Settings The choice of setting can effect the outcome. Field setting Laboratory setting

Research Methods Often linked to the Research Setting Experiment - a procedure whereby the researcher systematically manipulates one or more variables to see the effect the change has. Non-experimental methods  Naturalistic observation, case studies, surveys among others.

Interviews and Surveys These are in some ways self-reported procedures Survey - a technique for determining attitudes in a large number of people.  Fixed alternative - allows little flexibility  Open ended - requires a skilled interviewer; can lead to interviewer bias; it can be time consuming gathering data.

Surveys and Sampling Procedures Population Sample Representative sample