1. Resource: Text Chapter 2
Research Methods
Resource: Text Chapter 2

2. What is the scientific method?
a set of principles and procedures that are used by researchers to develop questions, collect data and reach conclusions.
In psychology the goals for research are to:
to describe behaviors
explain why these behaviors occur
to predict and even change human behavior.

3. Steps in psychology research
Step 1 - Identify a problem
Step 2 - Form a Testable Hypothesis
Step 3 – Design a method
Step 4 - Collect Data
Step 5 – Analyse Data
Step 6 - Reach Conclusions
Step 7 – Report the Findings
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4. Types of research Descriptive Experimental
Scientist sets up controlled conditions to measure the effect of one variable on another
Case studies
in-depth study of a single individual or group
Observational
Collection of data by watching & recording behaviour as it occurs
All types have their advantages & disadvantages

6. Identifying the problem
Research literature on the topic
Refine the idea and purpose so it is specific

7. Hypothesis Has to be testable Written in the form: If ‘IV’ then ‘DV’
Statement, not question
Clear and precise
Single sentence

8. Design the method How? …..sampling techniques Who? ….participants
What? ….variables

9. Design the method Variables in experimental research
Independent variable (IV)
What is being manipulated
Dependent variable (DV)
What is being observed/effected by the IV
Extraneous variables
Eg: participant age, gender, mood
Sometimes can be controlled before

10. Design the method
Population – refers to the entire group of interest

11. Design the method Sampling Techniques
Random - randomly selecting a number of participants from a group. All have an equal chance of being selected
Stratified - randomly selecting participants from different subsets of the population. Selected in the same proportions as they occur in the population

12. Control group & experimental group
random allocation of participants to groups
Experimental group – IV present

13. Design the method It is important to ….
Avoid pre-conceived answers (to avoid bias)
Selection bias – if participants aren’t representative of the population
Observer Bias: Occurs when observer/experimenter sees what they expect to see or record only selected details

14. “When Dr. Henderson comes in, everybody play dead.”
Does behavior change when the subjects know they are being observed? (form of Hawthorne effect)
“When Dr. Henderson comes in, everybody play dead.”

15. Collect the data Data Collection Techniques:
Direct observation of behaviour
Questionnaire/survey/rating scale
Interview
Psychological test
Recording physiological response
Examine archive files (past records)

16. Types of data… Qualitative data Quantitative data
non-numerical data/information
Describes details of behaviour
Eg: audio or video recordings
Case studies
Quantitative data
Numerical data
Structured around specific behaviours
Allows for statistical analysis
Eg: Likert scale
Closed questions on a survey

17. Analyse the data Inferential statistics Descriptive statistics
Make some conclusions about the data collected and relate it back to the general population
Descriptive statistics
Percentages
Tables
graphs

18. Reach conclusions…
A conclusion is a judgement about what the results of a research study mean
The conclusion drawn must relate directly to the hypothesis and focus on whether the results support or do not support the hypothesis

19. Report findings Always write in the 3rd person
Clear sub-headings for each section of the report
Steps to write up the report are on the back of the sheet

20. Unethical Psychological Experiments
Nazi Medical Experiments
Nazi Twin Studies
Nuremberg Code
International code of ethics
Participants must be voluntary and informed of the risks
Stanley Milgram Experiment
Studied conflict between obedience towards authority and personal conscious
Stress to research subjects
Use of deception
Ethical Considerations - Participants rights:
Confidentiality
Withdrawal rights
Debriefing
Informed consent
Voluntary participation
Parental informed consent
Psychological harm
Deception

21. Ethics in Animal Research
In the regulations an "animal" is any live vertebrate. This includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Insects and other invertebrates are not "animals".
Animal use includes observation of animals for research or teaching. Examples are wildlife surveys and bringing pets to class to demonstrate behavior.
Approval is based on scientific or educational merit and the benefit to animals or society must outweigh the costs in animal pain and distress.