1. Research Methods Chapter 7 Pages 234-261

2. Refer to table 7.1 page 236 of your text book.

3. In psychology we use the scientific method to conduct research 1)Identify the research problem and formulate a question 2)Construct a testable hypothesis 3)Designing the study 4)Gathering the data 5)Processing the data, analysing and interpreting the results 6)Writing a research report. However there are a number of ways that we can collect our data (information). There are experimental and non experimental methods. Non- experimental studies include case studies, surveys, observational and correlational studies. This power point will go over ways of gathering data

4. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

5. Case studies An in depth investigation of a single individual, usually for clinical purposes. Can also be groups (homeless) organisations (schools) or events (train crash) Information can be gathered in a number of ways i.Interviews conducted by either psychologists, doctors or researchers (person who designs or co ordinates the study) ii.Tests, questionnaires or surveys (self report method) iii.Archival research (using written records to source data) Data gathered can be either qualitative or quantitative

6. CASE STUDY Copy this table into your books from page 237 AdvantagesLimitations Provide detailed informationCannot be generalised Information from once case can be used to explore others Bias may occur due to researchers expectations, interpretations and /or prior knowledge Information from a similar case can give rise to new hypotheses which can lead to new theories Bias may occur due to how the individual presents oneself in a face-to-face situation (aka; demand characteristic) Demand characteristics: situational circumstances that influence behaviour therefore they do not respond naturally. These include  reactivity: reacting in a more negative way due to being nervous or anxious because you know your behaviour is being looked at carefully (scrutinised)  Hawthorne effect: improving your performance because you know your being observed/ under investigation.  Social desirability: acting or responding artificially (fake) in order to project a particular (usually favourable) impression of oneself. Trying to make yourself look better.

7. Do activity 7.1 page 240

8. How can we reduce demand characteristics???

9. How to reduce demand characteristics in our study? Single-blind procedure Double- blind procedure deceptionplacebo

10. SINGLE-BLIND PROCEDURE Minimising the amount of information given to participants. Participants are kept in the dark about the true purpose of the study and their true role (they don’t know if they are in the controlled or experimental group) This is so they behave naturally and aren’t influenced by their expectations.

11. DOUBLE-BLIND PROCEDURE Both the participants and the experimenter are unaware of the purpose of the study. Both are blind to which group is which either controlled or experimental. This reduces experimenter effects which is bias due to experimenter expectations

12. DECEPTION Deliberately withholding information or misinforming participants about the true purpose of the study so that they behave naturally. If you use deception in your study then you MUST debrief all participants at the end which is when you inform them of the true nature of the study and make sure they are not experiencing any harm from their participation. Stanley Milgrim’s obedience shock experiment

13. PLACEBO An inactive substance/ treatment given to participants that has an observable effect. Can you think of any examples??

14. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

15. SURVEY Are self report methods and include questionnaires, interviews or rating scales to gain information about a wide range of behaviours and mental processes. Depend on self report methods. Either oral or written.

16. Surveys copy table in your book from page 240-241 AdvantagesLimitations You can gather large amounts of information. Eg, The Australian census Individuals may not tell the truth Large sample can be surveyed at the same time If survey is mailed out people may not respond Surveys done by telephone can be done quickly and efficiently If surveys are done by telephone it could be time consuming if the survey is lengthy and if people aren’t home. Data can be collated quickly if in a quantitative form If data is qualitative collating all the information will be difficult.

17. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

18. Observational Studies Involve observing the behaviour. Can be done with animals, children in the playground, spectators at a game. Naturalistic observation: research design where you observe participants behaviour in their natural surroundings/environment and record what you observe. Laboratory Studies: observing behaviour not in a natural setting but in a controlled environment where variables can be controlled. Eg: Bandura’s bobo doll experiment

19. Observational Studies copy this in your books from page 242 AdvantagesLimitations Participants behaviour is spontaneous and natural (if they are unaware they are being watched. Participants may be affected by the demand characteristics (reactivity, hawthorn effect, social desirability) Large amounts of data can be gatheredObserver may be biased by expectations If behaviour is videoed it can be assessed accurately. Descriptive observations, i.e qualitative data may be difficult to collate. For an observation study to provide true data the you must ask yourself these questions..... 1)Can the observer be seen? 2)Is the observer completely objective 3)Can the findings be generalised.

20. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

21. Investigating development across the lifespan There are 2 ways of gathering data over a lifespan 1)Longitudinal studies 2) Cross sectional studies

22. 1) Longitudinal Studies A study where one group of participants is investigated over an extended period of time. Seven up series: monitors the progress of a cohort (group of people born around the same time) of 14yrs olds who were all 7yrs in 1964. They are all interviewed every 7 years. 7 up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngSGIjwwc4U 14up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJUdR- xm5NY&feature=related

23. Longitudinal Studies AdvantagesLimitations Variables such as genetic make up and cultural environment are kept constant Same size can decrease if participants drop out or die. Changes in individuals as well as age related group trends can be observed Factors such as historical events, advances in technology make it difficult to generalise findings. Time consuming. You need to wait years/ decades before you can accumulate the data.

24. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

25. Cross-Sectional Studies A study design where participants of particular age groups are studied at the same time. Large age gaps could compromise the results id the tests are susceptible to cohort effects. Cohort Effects: the impact of experience and circumstances on groups of people born at different times.

26. Cross-Sectional Studies AdvantagesLimitations Can be conducted quicklyResults may be affected by cohort effects due to generational differences.

27. Ways of gathering data Case studies Observational studies Surveys Longitudinal studies Cross sectional studies

28. Homework Read pages 245-254 and make your own notes on how data is represented in psychology.