Chapter 1: Intro to Social Psychology Part 3: Wed. Jan 21, 2015

Research Methods: – Sampling Issues  generalize from sample to population – How is a random sample defined? Why is it best? How can we draw a random sample?

Random assignment (RA)– into groups – eliminate other possible explanations for results How is it different from random sampling (RS)…? Experimental Methods: About 3/4ths of Social Psych research. How are these used?

Less often, social psych uses correlational studies – What is examined? 2 distinguishing factors of true experiments: (Table 1.1) – 1. Control & manipulation of variables – 2. Random assignment to groups – What is its benefit?

Example of a social psych experiment – In experiments, use IVs and DVs – Independent variables (IV): what is manipulated – Example? – Dependent variables (DV): observed to determine impact of IV – Example?

Example of a correlational study? – Independent variable? – Dependent variable? – Cause-effect information? Possible confounds?

External validity – questions related to whether results will generalize – Depends on: Mundane realism & Experimental realism – (p. 27 in text)

Ethics & Deception – IRB protects participants How? – Types of deception: 1) False Purpose 2) False Feedback 3) Use of a confederate/actor Benefits of deception? Ethical concerns?