3.  Variables – Create an operational definition of the things you will measure in your research (How will you observe and measure your variables?)  Population – identify the large groups you want your research to apply to.  Representative sample- should match the population in question on important characteristics  Random sampling- where each person in a research study has an equal chance of being selected  Volunteer bias- those who volunteer probably differ from those that stay silent

4.  Case Study  Provides in-depth description of a particular individual or event, rare occurring phenomenon  Advantages: Unusual cases can shed light on situations/ problems that are unethical to study in other ways  Disadvantages: Individual may not be representative or typical, researcher biases

5.  Survey/ Interview  Research method that asks subjects questions about their feelings, opinions or behavior patterns  Advantages: Large amounts of information about large numbers of people  Disadvantages: If sample is non-representative or biased info in inaccurate, Responses may not be true

6.  Naturalistic Observation  Method that involves studying subjects without their being award that they are being watched  Advantages: Behavior studies is completely natural  Disadvantages: Researcher bias, unable to interact with subjects, limited control

7.  Laboratory Observation  Method to observe behavior in a more controlled setting  Advantages: Allows more control and the use of sophisticated equipment  Disadvantages: Setting is somewhat artificial, may not reflect the “real world”

8.  Psychological Tests  Objective methods for observation and measurement of subjects in various areas  Advantages: information gathered on personality traits, emotional stats, aptitudes, abilities  Disadvantages: Difficult to construct tests that are valid and reliable

9.  Content Analysis  A research method that examines written data for patterns in behavior  Advantages: Collect large amounts of information without having to meet subjects  Disadvantages: limited information

10.  A controlled test of the hypothesis  The only way to prove a cause-effect relationship!  Manipulation of variables:  Independent variable: the variable the experimenter changes  Dependent variable: a variable the experimenter predicts will be affected by the independent variable (in psychology it’s the behavior you are observing)

11.  Dividing the sample:  Experimental group: exposed to the IV  Control group: not exposed to the IV