Research Strategies Making Sense of Research Methods

Research Methods Critical Thinking –Does not blindly accept conclusions or arguments –Examines assumptions –Evaluates evidence –Assesses conclusions

Researcher bias A tendency for researchers to selectively notice evidence that supports their hypotheses or expectations

Participant bias A tendency for research participants to act a certain way because they know they are being observed

Ethics Four basic principles: 1.Informed consent 2.Right to be protected from harm and discomfort 3.Right to confidentiality 4.Right to debriefing – participants must receive a full explanation of the research they were involved in

Types of Research Methods Naturalistic Observation, Case Studies, Correlations, Surveys

Naturalistic Observation Observing and recording behavior in a naturally occurring situation Researcher does not try to control the situation

Case Studies One person or subject is studied in depth Researcher hopes to reveal universal principles based on one subject

Correlations Positive Correlation –Shows a direct relationship between two variables –Both variables increase or decrease in the same direction Negative Correlation –One variable increases as the other decreases

Surveys Population –All cases in a group from which samples can be drawn for a study Random sample –A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being included

Experiments Hypothesis –An investigator’s prediction about the outcome of the research

Operational Definition Specifies the exact procedures which will be used Defines the variable so it can be measurable for research purposes

Independent Variable (IV) The research variable that is manipulated Causes a change in the dependent variable if the hypothesis is correct

Dependent Variable (DV) The research variable influenced by the independent variable In psychology it is the behavior or mental process that is impacted by the IV

Random Assignment Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance Allows for a more representative population sample

Confounding variables A variable other than the IV which could influence the DV Researchers must control for confounding variables

Experiments Step by Step The Science of Psychology

Step 1 Develop the hypothesis Develop the hypothesis

Step 2 Create operational definitions for the independent and dependent variables Create operational definitions for the independent and dependent variables

Step 3 Randomly select a sample of participants from the population Randomly select a sample of participants from the population

Step 4 Randomly assign the participants to the experimental and control group Randomly assign the participants to the experimental and control group

Step 5 Expose the experimental group, but not the control group, to the IV. If necessary, use a placebo with the control group to balance expectations Expose the experimental group, but not the control group, to the IV. If necessary, use a placebo with the control group to balance expectations

Step 6 Control for other confounding variables by using a double- blind procedure and treating both groups the same except for exposure to the IV Control for other confounding variables by using a double- blind procedure and treating both groups the same except for exposure to the IV

Step 7 Learn the impact of the independent variable by measuring the dependent variable for both groups Learn the impact of the independent variable by measuring the dependent variable for both groups

Step 8 Use statistical analysis to discover whether the difference in the DV is likely to have been caused by the manipulation of the IV Use statistical analysis to discover whether the difference in the DV is likely to have been caused by the manipulation of the IV

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #1 Jogging increases lung capacity experimentation #2 Individuals having one or more hobbies report more job satisfaction than individuals having no hobbies survey

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #3 Unmarried cab drivers talk more with their customers than do married cab drivers Naturalistic observation #4 Work productivity increases when workers are allowed flexible hours Experimentation

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #5 Intellectual ability increases when environments are more stimulating Positive correlation #6 A child with an intellectual disability will improve social skills through peer modeling Case study

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #7 A child removed from an abusive environment and placed in an enriched environment Case study #8 More men than women report fantasies of making large sums of money than women Survey

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #9 The purchase of tranquilizers increases during monetary crises Naturalistic observation #10 Alcoholics show more signs of brain damage than non-alcoholics. Is this Applied or Basic Research? Applied Research

Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #11 As time spent watching television increases, GPAs decrease Negative correlation #12 Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time in females Experimentation