1. Scientific Method Basic procedures
Hypothesis: a statement of the results that the experiment expects
Subjects: people or animals on whom a study is conducted
Variables: factors that change an experiment
Independent variable: the factor that the experimenter manipulates or changes in a study
Dependent variable: the factor in the study that changes or varies as a result of the changes in the independent variable

2. Example study of relief from Pain Killers
Placebo: a “medicine” that has no active ingredients and works by the power of suggestion Double-blind study: a study during which neither participants nor researchers know to which group any subjects belong Stereotypes: a set of fixed, generalized beliefs we hold about a given group, we tend to assume that everyone from that group share the same characteristics

3. Pause for Thought
Why is it important to use placebos and a double-blind approach in some studies?
Assume that researchers believe that people’s memories are sharpest right after they’ve eaten lunch. What hidden variables may have affected these results?

4. Why could placebo and double-blind study be a good idea?
Experimenter might inadvertently act differently towards group which is receiving the placebo
Which can result in patients’ response being interpreted differently

5. Field Studies
Field study: research that takes place outside of the laboratory (“in the field”)
Experimental group: group on which the critical part of the experiment is performed
Control group: group that does not participate in the critical part of the experiment

6. Survey Method
Survey is a method of research that involves asking subjects questions about their feelings, opinions or behavior patterns
First we must get a sample, which is a group that will represent a larger group
However, the sample has to be representative of the larger population
Representative sample: group that truly reflects a selected characteristic of a larger population

7. Naturalistic Observation
Research method that involves studying subjects without their being aware that they’re being watched
Researcher gets realistic and accurate information about a subject’s behavior because people and animals behave differently in the presence of an outsider
HOWEVER, there is a flaw in this method = observer cannot talk with or interact with the human subject
Might make incorrect interpretation of the behavior

9. How could his/her behavior be different if they knew they were being watched?

10. Interview
Research method that involves studying people face to face and asking questions
Problem: person being interviewed is only going to show best behavior and present information in the most favorable light or will try to give the interviewer the information that they think the person wants

11. Case Study
Research that collects lengthy, detailed information about a person’s background, usually for psychological treatment
Problem: you cannot generalize from these findings, detailed information about one person but it is not true for everyone

12. Psychological tests
Objective methods for observation and measurement of subjects in various areas, such as intelligence
Examples:
IQ test
Personality test
Aptitude test

13. Cross-sectional method: method of research
Cross-sectional method: method of research that looks at different age groups at the same time in order to understand the changes that occur during the lifespan
Longitudinal method: a method of research that studies the same group of people over an extended period of time
Example: studying the same children at age 5, then 10, then 15

14. Written Questions:
Which method of research would you probably use to study the effects of mild stress on job performance? Explain. Briefly describe how you might conduct this research?