1. Methods of Psychology CHAPTER 2
This chapter covers some of the methods used by psychologists to gain information about people and animals.
Methods of Psychology
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2. What is the scientific method?
1. Observation
2. Defining a problem
3. Proposing a hypothesis
4. Gathering evidence
5. Writing results
6. Building a theory
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3. What is the language of experimentation?
hypothesis
subjects
independent variable
dependent variable
placebo
experimental group
control group
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4. From Hypothesis to Results
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5. Expectation Change No Change A hypothesis is a
statement of the results the experimenter expects. It is an explanation of an event or relationship.
Expectation
Example: There is an increase in admissions to mental hospitals during the occurrence of a full moon.
Change
No Change
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6. (Independent Variable) Admissions rates increase
Example 1- Experimental Design
Factor X
(Independent Variable)
Affects
Admissions rates increase
(Dependent Variable)
If Factor X (full moon) is present, then the admissions to mental hospitals should increase.
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7. Experimenter Changes Affects Action here is dependent on what
Dependent Variable
Independent Variable
Action here is
dependent on what
is done with the
independent variable.
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8. Example 2- Experimental Design
Hypothesis: More people will agree to a request made by a person in uniform than one made by a person without a uniform.
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9. Control Results Results Experimental
An experimental group, consists of people who receive the independent variable (people in uniform).
Experimental
Control
The control group consists of people who do not receive the independent variable.
Dependent Variable.
Count the number of people who respond to the uniformed person and the number who respond to the person without a uniform.
Results
Results
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10. Expectation Change Control Results Results No Change Experimental
Hypothesis
Change
No Change
Independent Variable
Experimental
Control
Groups
Results
Results
Dependent Variable
The conclusion is based on the results.
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11. Hypothesis Independent Variable Groups Dependent Variable
X amount of sleeping pills helps the healthy
person with insomnia to sleep better.
Hypothesis
Sleeping pills
Placebos
Independent Variable
Experimental
Group
Control
Group
Groups
# of people who
had restful nights
# of people who
had restful nights
Dependent Variable
The hypothesis proves to be incorrect. People taking the sleeping pill over a period of days had more insomnia than before. They had less restful sleep than the people in the control group (Hartmann, 1984)
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12. Cross-Sectional Studies
M ethods for Studying Behavior
Click on the methods for more information.
Interviews
Laboratory Studies
Case Studies
Field Studies
Psychological Tests
Surveys
Longitudinal Studies
Naturalistic Observations
Cross-Sectional Studies
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13. Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory Study
Advantages:
researcher can be objective; method provides accurate information
Disadvantages:
artificial setting; does not reflect the real world
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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14. Click on the topic for more information.
The Field Study Method
Advantage:
Subject #1:
more realistic setting than in a laboratory   
Disadvantage:
often difficult to control all variables
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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15. Click on the topic for more information.
The Survey Method
Defined as asking questions of a carefully selected group of people and tabulating their answers.
Advantage:
Information can be gathered about feelings, opinions, and behavior patterns.
Disadvantages:
Interpretation difficult; sample may not be representative.
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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16. Click on the topic for more information.
The Naturalistic Observation Method
Defined as observing behaviors in their natural settings.
Disadvantages:
Researcher cannot interact with the subject.
Researcher may interpret subject’s responses incorrectly.
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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17. Click on the topic for more information.
The Interview Method
Advantage:
Researcher can obtain personal, detailed information.
Disadvantages:
Responses may not be completely honest. The researcher’s biases can influence subject’s behavior.
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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18. Click on the topic for more information.
The Case Study Method
Defined as a thorough, exhaustive study of a person. It includes personal, educational, family and work histories.
Advantage:
A wealth of background information about one person
Disadvantages:
Information cannot be generalized to others; also, researcher’s biases can influence subject’s behavior.
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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19. Click on the topic for more information.
The Psychological Testing Method
Advantages: tests provide accurate, objective information; little distortion.
Disadvantage: limited in amount of information that can be obtained.
Click on the topic for more information.
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional
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20. Age at the Time of Testing
The Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Methods
People of varying ages are
Cross-Sectional Studies:
studied at the same time
Same people studied over a lifetime
Longitudinal Studies:
Age at the Time of Testing
Years Testing Is Conducted
Laboratory
Field Studies
Survey
Naturalistic
Interviews
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Case Studies
Psychological
Longitudinal
&
Cross-Sectional

21. y Basic Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Researchers Do no harm.
Accurately describe risks to potential subjects.
Ensure that participation is voluntary.
Minimize any discomfort to participants.
Maintain confidentiality.
Do not unnecessarily invade privacy.
Remove any misconceptions caused by deception (debrief).
Provide results and interpretations to participants.
Treat participants with dignity and respect.
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22. Summary of Main Topics Covered
Scientific Method
Experimentation
Methodology for Studying Behavior
Ethical Guidelines
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