1. Psychology = the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

2. Psychology’s origins
Psyche = Mind or Soul
Logos = the study of . . .

3. Research Methods in Psychology
Naturalistic Observation
Systematic observation in natural setting
The main drawback is observer bias
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

4. Lab Observation Field or - "artificiality" contrived and artificial
controlled
Descriptive research
"naturalness"
typically employs a real–life setting

5. Research Methods in Psychology
Case Studies
Detailed description and analysis of one or a few people
Prominent in psychology
Observer bias is a problem
Unable to make generalizations past person being studied
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

6. Research Methods in Psychology
Surveys
Questionnaires or interviews, such as polls prior to an election
Can generate a lot of information for a fairly low cost
Questions must be constructed carefully…
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

7. Research Methods in Psychology
Correlational Research
Research technique based on the naturally occurring relationship between two or more variables
Often used to make predictions, such as the relation between SAT scores and school success
Cannot be used to determine cause and effect
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

8. Statistical Analysis: Positive Correlation
high school GPA
college GPA 25

9. Statistical Analysis: Negative Correlation
age
hair on head 26

13. Research Methods in Psychology
Experimental Research
The only research method that can be used to determine cause and effect
Often called the experimental method
*Most frequently used?
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

14. Components of an Experiment
Participants or subjects
Independent variable (IV)
Cause (what you are studying)
This is the variable that is manipulated by the experimenter
Dependent variable (DV)
Effect (result of experiment)
This is the variable that is measured by the experimenter
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

15. Components of an Experiment
Experimental group
Receives treatment
Control group
Does not receive treatment,
but is the same in every
other way
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

16. Problems with Experimental Method
Subjects can change ordinary behavior.
Subjects are chosen based on their availability.
Results are often general.

17. Problems with Experimental Method
Opinions of experimenters may influence subjects.
Protection of subject’s privacy must occur.

18. Controlling Placebo Effects
Single Blind Experiment: Only the subjects have no idea whether they get real treatment or placebo
Double Blind Experiment: The subjects AND the experimenters have no idea whether the subjects get real treatment or placebo
Best type of experiment if properly set up
Herbal remedies may be based on placebo effect

19. Research Methods in Psychology
Multimethod Research
Studies often combine several methods
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall

20. The Importance of Sampling in Research
Sample
Small representative subset of a larger population
Random sample
Every subject had equal chance of being selected
Representative sample
Characteristics of participants correspond to larger population
Psychology: An Introduction 12/e - Charles G. Morris & Albert A. Maisto (c) 2005 Prentice Hall