1. Research in Psychology

2. Sometimes over generalizes
Case Study
One individual (or small group) studied over an extended period of time in depth
Sometimes over generalizes
Must answer questions with other methods (tests, interviews, diaries, etc.)

3. “free and reduced lunch” vs. “economically disadvantaged”
Survey
Looking at many cases in less depth
Quick and fairly easy to distribute and collect information
Wording effects can give you different results
“aide to the needy” vs. “welfare”
“free and reduced lunch” vs. “economically disadvantaged”
Questionnaire or interview
Random sampling
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance to be included.

4. Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Behaviors may be overlooked or if the one being observed notices that they are being watched, behaviors may change
Observe participants in natural environment; don’t need permission since there isn’t any manipulation

5. Point to Remember..
A case study, survey, or naturalistic observation does not explain behaviors, it just describes it!

6. Cross-sectional Study
Individuals are organized by into groups by age
Groups are then randomly sampled, and the members of each group are surveyed, tested, or observed at the same time
Less expensive than longitudinal studies and less time consuming

7. Longitudinal Study
Studying the same group of people on a regular basis over a period of years
Looks at changes in behaviors and tries to understand what caused these changes
Time-consuming and risky (participants can sometimes leave in the middle of the duration of the study)
Study consistencies and inconsistencies over time

8. Describes a relationship between two things
Correlation
Describes a relationship between two things
One trait or behavior accompanies another
One predicts the other
Scatterplots
Positive
Negative (one score goes up and the other goes down)
No Relationship

9. scatterplots

10. Illusory Correlations
A perceived nonexistent correlation between two things
Help explain superstitious beliefs
Being outside in the cold and wet causes one to get sick (not true…viruses cause it)

11. Point to Remember…
Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause and effect relationship but it does not prove causation.

12. Independent and dependent variables exist
Experiments
Can control the situation and reduce outside variables that may influence the results
Experimental (group being studied based on manipulation of variables) and control groups (used for comparison) are present
Independent and dependent variables exist

13. Experimental Condition vs. Control Condition
Exposed to the treatment
Control:
Without the treatment
Used as the comparison

14. Independent vs. Dependent Variables
Independent (cause):
The factor that is manipulated
Variable whose effect is being studied
Breast milk(experimental)/
Formula (control)
Dependent (effect):
Outcome factor
The one that is being changed due to the manipulations of the independent variable
Intelligence score

15. Describing Data Mean Average
Preferred measure of tendency but very sensitive to extremes
Median
Middle
Less sensitive but doesn’t take into account all the information in the data points
Mode
Most frequently occurring
Least common, but quick if data is not in order
Range
Difference between high and low
Standard Deviation
Determines if scores are packed together or dispersed

16. Testing Methods Validity Reliability Consistency Repeatability
The extent to which an instrument measures/predicts what it is supposed to
Example: solving algebra problems would not measure your understanding of Psychology
Consistency
Repeatability
Same scores/results each time