1. Scientific Method

2. Experimental Research
An experiment is a scientific investigation that sets out to determine the cause and effect of two or more variables. A “good” experiment…
1. manipulates the independent variable
2. compares the groups in terms of the dependent variable
3. assures that only the IV causes the changes in the DV
if this is accomplished then the experiment has internal validity
4. minimizes confounding variables
any variable that varies along with the IV
5. uses various types of randomization
6. maintains experimenter control

3. Independent or Dependent?
Independent Variable
What the experimenter manipulates
The “cause” of the experiment
It is “independent” of all other variables
Dependent Variable
What the experimenter measures
The “effect” of the experiment
It “depends” on the Independent Variable

4. Operational Definition
A definition of a variable that allows it to be concretely measured.
A variable is an Abstract Concept
It must be translated into a Concrete Form
so it can be measured
and studied empirically
Helps to successfully communicate ideas to others
Often a variety of measures are used

5. Scientific Method

6. Physiological Psychology
Levels of
Investigation
Social
Individual
System
Cellular
Molecular

7. Neurological Disorders

8. Psychological Disorders
10 million people suffer from depression

9. Scientific Approaches of Physiological Psychology
Somatic Intervention
alter body (soma) and then record behavior changes
Behavioral Intervention
alter behavior and then record body (brain) changes
Correlation
determine the relationship between body measures
and behavioral measures