Lecture 2 Ch. 1 Psychological Science
Class plan for today 1.Why do we need to use a scientific approach? 2.What does science value? 3.The Scientific Method 4.Experimental Designs 5.Correlation vs. Causation 6.In-class Activity 1 7.Research Ethics
Why do we need to use a scientific approach? Are intuition and common sense enough?
What characteristics are valued in scientists?
The Scientific Method
Methods for studying Psychology Be able to identify each method Know the pros and cons for using each method
Description Case Study Susan Kuklin/ Photo Researchers
Survey
Naturalistic Observation Courtesy of Gilda Morelli
Correlation When one trait or behavior accompanies another, we say the two correlate. Correlation coefficient Indicates direction of relationship (positive or negative) Indicates strength of relationship (0.00 to 1.00) r = Correlation Coefficient is a statistical measure of the relationship between two variables.
Positive Relationships High Low GPA Hours studying
Negative Relationships High Low GPA LowModHigh Alcohol Consumption
No relationship Honesty High Low SES Low ModHigh
Figure 5-5: A Perfect Positive Correlation r = 1
Figure 5-6: A Perfect Negative Correlation r = -1
Non-perfect correlation The relationship between being in a state of anxiety and performance on a memory task with emotional distracters r=-0.326
Illusory Correlation The perception of a relationship where no relationship actually exists. Parents conceive children after adoption. Confirming evidence Disconfirming evidence Do not adopt Disconfirming evidence Confirming evidence Adopt Do not conceive Conceive Michael Newman Jr./ Photo Edit
Many factors influence our behavior. Experiments (1) manipulate factors that interest us, while other factors are kept under (2) control. Be able to identify the independent and dependent variables in examples of studies. Exploring Cause & Effect
Describing Data A meaningful description of data is important in research. Misrepresentation may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Measures of Central Tendency A Skewed Distribution
Measures of Variation Range Standard Deviation
Evaluating the results of a study What increases the chance that a difference between groups is a real, reliable effect?
Research Ethics Animal research Human research
In-class activity 1 Get into groups of 2-4 Make sure you turn in the handout with all your names on it