1. The Scientific method Psych 231: Research Methods in Psychology

2. Announcements & outline Chris has put together a course webpage www.ilstu.edu/~cnwahlh/home (I’ve also posted a link on the course syllabus page) www.ilstu.edu/~cnwahlh/home If you are in his sections, please consult the page prior to going to lab Today: The scientific method Problems getting a research idea Reviewing the literature

3. Methods of Inquiry The scientific method A method used to test and analyze claims about behavior Uses scientific methods of systematic observation and experimentation.

4. Scientific Method write down two generalizations that you have observed about people’s behavior. Step 1: Observation Pay attention to the world around you, look for generalizations Two kinds of generalizations Descriptive generalizations – just describe how it is/what was seen, without making predictions Cause and effect generalizations – makes predictions about the observed relationship between two (or more) things.

5. Scientific Method Step 2: Develop a theory or hypothesis An explanation for the observed behavior(s) May be based on past research, common sense, intuition, logic, etc.

6. Scientific Method Step 3: Generate a testable prediction Need to specify how your hypothesis can be tested. Falsification is at the heart of the scientific method More on this next lecture

7. Scientific Method Step 4: Make systematic observations Observational and experimental methods What are the relevant variables? How do we measure the variables? What needs to be controlled? Much of the rest of this course deals with these

8. Scientific Method Step 5: Evaluate your evidence Refutes theory Supports theory Leads to the revision of the theory Consider alternative theories

9. The importance of a critical eye There are always alternative explanations: Psychic Uri Geller

10. Psychic watch repair Uri Geller, famous psychic. In Australia (and other places), would “heal” watches in audiences and even over radio. How did he do it?  Geller’s claim: Psychic energy from him.

11. Psychic watch repair Problem: Someone else replayed tape of the broadcast and found it worked then too Alternative explanation: Old watches usually not working because oil gummed up. Heat of hands is sufficient for a short time. Experimental Solution: Add a control group

12. Scientific Method Step 6: Repeat observations hypotheses predictions systematic observations new hypotheses predictions systematic observations new hypotheses

13. Getting ideas for research Classic barriers Where do they come from? What is a “good” idea?

14. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Yes you are, but it may be hard work

15. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. review the literature, if somebody has done it remember two things: replication is an important part of science perhaps there is a new angle to add to the research idea

16. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. again, review the literature, how have others examined similar issues

17. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. It’s too simple, something must be wrong. Parsimony (simplicity) is generally a GOOD thing

18. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. It’s too simple, something must be wrong. The idea will take too much work. don’t be afraid to work hard sometimes you can think of ways to simplify things to reduce the workload

19. Classic barriers to good research ideas I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. It’s too simple, something must be wrong. The idea will take too much work. Our goal is that you come away from this course with the knowledge and ability to see past these pitfalls.

20. Why review the literature What is the underlying motivation(s) for doing a review of the literature?  Getting ideas.  What has been done, what hasn’t been done?  Avoid past mistakes.  Understanding the relevant theories.  What variables are important?

21. What is the literature? Primary Sources - essentially reading the original report  Journal articles  Edited books (sometimes)  Professional meetings  Electronic publishing (fairly new, pluses and minuses)  Faculty members & other personal communications Secondary Sources - reading a report of the report  Literature Reviews  Psychological Bulletin, Annual Review of Psychology  Text books  Citations in books and articles

22. What is the literature? Secondary Sources: Advantages: Good starting place Often reviews a lot of relevant literature Relatively brief descriptions Disadvantages: Somebody else’s description May be incorrect May be biased Not enough detail

23. Next week How to review the literature & evaluating your research ideas Read chapter 2 this weekend