1. Module 2: Psychology & Science

2. Research Method Tool for answering questions 3 Types –Survey –Case study –Experiment

3. #1: Surveys Way to obtain info by asking many individuals a fixed set of particular questions –Phone, mail, person to person, online Advantages -Obtain information from a large group quickly -Compare answers from different groups (age, culture) Disadvantages -Responses may be influenced by -phrasing of the question -who asks the question -People may not answer truthfully

4. #2: CASE STUDIES In depth analysis of a single individual Advantage Provides rich, descriptive detail Disadvantage Bias & error related to testimonials

5. Personal Case Studies: Testimonials –Statement in support of a particular viewpoint based on detailed observations of an individual’s personal experience –Problems with Testimonials Biased personal beliefs Self-fulfilling prophecy Placebos & placebo effects “Total Gym helped make me into the toughest guy around; and it can do the same for you!”

6. Placebo –Treatment that resembles medical therapy, but has no medical effects –Example taking a sugar pill Placebo Effect –Change in the patient’s illness that is attributable to an imagined treatment –Example taking a sugar pill alleviates patients’ symptoms

7. Correlation Coefficient Numerical measure of the strength of the relationship 2 Areas to consider –Size ranges from 0 to +/- 1.00 –Sign (positive or negative) indicates the direction of association

8. #3: Experiments Following rules and guidelines that minimize the possibility of error and bias in order to identify cause-and- effect relationships using the Scientific Method Advantages –Can identify cause- and-effect relationships –Minimizes error and bias

9. 1.Rule #1: Ask 2.Rule #2: Identify 3.Rule #3: Choose 4.Rule #4: Assign 5.Rule #5: Manipulate 6.Rule #6: Measure 7.Rule #7: Analyze

10. Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias Rule 1: Ask a question in the form of a hypothesis –Hypothesis = educated Rule 2: Identify the Independent Variable (IV) & Dependent Variable (DV) IV = Treatment DV = Outcome measure Rule 3: Choose subjects who are representative of the population by using random selection Random selection = each subject has an equal chance of being selected to participate

11. Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.) Rule 4: Randomly assign subjects to experimental and control groups –Experimental group receives the treatment –Control group does not receive the treatment Rule 5: Manipulate the IV by administering the treatment to the experimental group -Double blind procedure: neither the experimenter nor the subject knows which group is receiving the treatment

12. Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.) Rule 6: Measure effect of the IV on the DV Rule 7: Analyze results using statistical procedures Statistical procedures are used to determine whether observed differences in the DV are due to the IV or to chance

13. ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 3-7% of children are diagnosed with ADHD More common in boys (3:1) 2 major symptoms are hyperactivity/impulsivity & inattention Diagnosis Based on behavioral symptoms rather than medical tests Misdiagnosis may occur because severity of behavioral symptoms varies Treatment Most common treatment is stimulant medication (e.g., Ritalin)

14. THAT’S IT Make sure you study tonight!!! -Read text -study notes -study pre-test