the scientific method

The Scientific Method Do you remember this from science

class?

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/psychology-is-a-science.html

Types of ResearchSIX types of Research

Naturalistic Observation = observing behavior in the natural

environment w/o manipulation

POSITIVES:

NEGATIVES:

Case Study = a thorough study of an individual CHRIS SIZEMORE - DID

Positives:

Negatives:

Surveys = Collecting data about the beliefs,

attitudes, or behaviors of people by asking them

Positives: Negatives:

Controlled Experiments = scientists compare 2 things or

groups that are the same except for one variable

Example: Drug testing Independent variable= Dependent variable= Experimental group= Control group=

Hypothesis Swimming regularly will lead to

weight loss in obese subjects. Independent variable= Dependent variable= Operational definition= Experimental group= Control group=

One big design problem to

noticeAre there any confounding

variables we have not controlled for?

Confounding Variables Example: Testing 2 groups of teens

> one group is tested at 8am and the other at 1pm

Why might this be a problem? Example: Testing a new method and

an old > Group one gets the stodgy monotone teacher and Group two gets the attractive, young enthusiastic teacher

Correlational Research(speculation that may indicate a

relationship exists) Correlations: positive, negative

or zero? Typing practice and typing errors Weight in pounds and hours of TV

viewing Educational level and income IQ and levels of prejudice # of peaches imported into the U.S.

and divorce rates

Correlations (continued) SAT scores and college GPA SAT scores and teacher salaries Number of plants in your home and

number of times you brush your teeth daily

Educational level and levels of obedience to authority

Test anxiety and test performance

Correlational Research How do we measure the strength of

a correlation?

Correlational Research Positive, negative or zero Graphed on scatter plots Expressed as an “r” coefficient

“r” coeffcients: ranges from +1.00 to -1.00 Absolute value of corr. coeff.

indicates strength of relationship ex. r=-80 or r=+80

Correlational Research What is the most important phrase

to remember in correlational research?

Dr. Goldberger and the Pellegra epidemic

Experimental Method Placebos Blind Double-blind study

Experimental Conditions in the Lang Study

Another factor to consider when

conducting research

Ethics of Research with Humans

Ethical review committee and ethical standards Promote individual dignity, human

welfare and scientific integrity Ensure no harm will come to subjects

Informed consent Confidentiality Deception Debriefing

Ethics of Research with Animals

Animals are used when research cannot be carried out with humans

Animals may be harmed, only when: there is no alternative, and benefits of the research justify the harm