1. Chapter 2 – Research Methods

2. How to cite an online article using APA
Brandt, Michelle L. (2005, November 9).Gender differences are a laughing matter, study reveals. Stanford Report. Retrieved from

3. Do you like watching the 3 Stooges?98 62
GIRLS
BOYS

4. Psychological Research
1. Naturalistic Observation
Observing behavior in its natural setting
2. Case Studies
Intensive study of one or more participants
3. Surveys
Interviews and questionnaires

5. 5. Cross Sectional Studies
4. Longitudinal Studies
Data collected over long period
Characteristics changed or remained?
5. Cross Sectional Studies
Data collected from groups of different ages
Data compared
6. Correlation and Explanation
Measuring relationships between two variables or data
7. Experiments
Scientific Method used
Investigator controls the situation

7. Groups – 2 Types 1. Experimental Group 2. Control Group
Group to which an independent variable is applied
2. Control Group
Group in which an independent variable is not applied

8. Variables – 2 Types 1. Independent Variable 2. Dependent Variable
The one the experimenter changes to observe the effect
2. Dependent Variable
The one that changes because of the independent variable

9. Problems and Solutions
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Having expectations about a behavior
Unknowingly acting in ways to make the behavior happen.
Avoiding a self-fulfilling prophecy
Double-blind experiment
Neither the experimenter nor the participants know which participants receive which treatment

10. The Placebo Effect
A change resulting from a belief rather than the actual treatment

11. Ethics in Experiments
Methods of conduct for proper and responsible behavior
The APA has published a set of principles to govern research.

12. Ethics in Experiments Minimize discomfort and pain
No physical or psychological harm
Obtain informed consent
Debrief
Keep Confidential

13. Ethics in Experiments
Research proposals must be approved by the local institutional review board (IRB)

14. Statistical Evaluation
Let’s look at the data (statistics) and arrange it in a meaningful and orderly way (descriptive statistics).
Looking at the statistics, how often does a particular score occur? (frequency distribution)

15. Organizing Data Scatter plot Histogram Frequency Polygon
Frequency Curve

16. 1. Central Tendency
A number that describes something about the “average” score of a distribution
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17. 1. Central Tendency
Mean
Median
Mode
Average
Middle
Most

18. 2. Variance

19. A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curve
Standard deviation
A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curve

20. A normal curve is sometimes called a bell curveF

21. Correlation Coefficients
Describes the relationship, direction, and strength of two sets of observations.
Positive and Negative -
Does not show cause and effect
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22. Correlation tables Positive Correlation Negative Correlation 5 75 112
1590
450 45 5 75
112
Positive Correlation
Negative Correlation

23. Y = Dependent Variable
X = Independent Variable

26. Inferential Statistics
Probability and Chance

27. Statistical Significance
Researchers perform a variety of tests to rule out probability and chance. When researchers conclude that their findings are statistically significant they can form a theory.

28. Professional Journals in Psychology
The results are published.
Professional Journals in Psychology