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Published byAllen Alvin Payne Modified over 9 years ago
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The Scientific Method in Psychology
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Descriptive Studies: naturalistic observations; case studies. Individuals observed in their environment. Correlational Studies: establishing correlations between non-manipulated variables. Relationships are not necessarily causal. Experiments: Manipulating variables and testing cause and effect relationships. Three Types of Studies
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Theory: System of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations. Hypothesis: a specific prediction derived from theory. Designing experiments to test hypotheses and theory. The best way to advance knowledge is to attempt disproving a theory or hypothesis. Alternative: design single experiment to test several contradictory hypotheses. Theory Construction and Philosophy of Science
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The Scientific Method Identify Problem and Formulate hypothesis Design experiment using dependent and independent variables. Perform experiment using experimental and control groups. Evaluate hypothesis Communicate results
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Identifying the Problem Have a good idea Formulate Hypothesis One theory (several testable hypotheses) Uses naturalistic observations
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Designing the Experiment Dependent vs. Independent variables (IV changes or is manipulated) Experimental vs. Control group (Control group is not experimented, used only to compare results) Validity
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Performing the Experiment Reliability of measurements Selecting the subjects Exclude bias Choose selection at random for best results. Assign experimental (receive treatment) and control groups (do not receive treatment).
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Measure and Analyze Measure and compare experimental and control groups. Analyze data and draw conclusions from the analysis. Record and/or publish your findings.
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Correlational studies: do not necessarily indicate a cause and effect relationship Case studies: Examples, but does not necessarily represent the entire population. Surveys: Subject to bias and misinterpretation. Generalities: Generalization from a selected sample. Other Factors
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