1. What is Research?
Chapter 2
Section 1

2. Pre-research decisions
Ask a specific question
Look for evidence
The method depends on the research topic
Make basic decisions in advance

3. Samples The small group of participants that a researcher studies
Must be representative of the population studying
Avoid nonrepresentative samples
Random sample
Pick individuals that represent various subgroups (stratified sample)

4. Methods of Research Naturalistic Observation Case study Survey
Longitudinal Study
Cross-sectional Study
Correlation
Experiment

5. Methods of Research Naturalistic Observation Case Study
Study humans and animals in their natural setting
Avoid disturbing the subject you are studying
Example: How children act around other children
Intensive investigation of one or more people
Long-term
Cannot be generalized
Example: Study cognition of a child

6. Methods of Research Survey Longitudinal Study
Asking individuals a fixed set of questions
Takes little time to conduct
Example: What type of music do Eisenhower students prefer?
Study a group over a long period of time
Takes years to complete
Example: Study social development of children through adulthood

7. Methods of Research Cross-sectional Study Correlations
Collecting data from groups of differing ages
Random sample
Cost less and takes less time than other studies
Example: Asking 5, 10, and 15 year olds to discuss what they think about a flower
Measure of a relationship between 2 variables
Correlation does not prove causation
Example: Relation between the number of hours studying and success rate on tests

8. Experiment Must have a testable hypothesis
Variable- any factor that is capable of change
Independent-changes to observe effects
Dependent-changes in relation to Indep. Variable
Experimental group- independent variable is applied
Control group- independent variable is NOT applied

9. Ethical Issues Methods of conduct or standards
American Psychological Association (APA) set ethical principles (see page )
Animals in research has caused concern
Rights of animals vs. advances in health