the scientific method
DESCRIPTION
The Scientific Method. Do you remember this from science class ? http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/psychology-is-a-science.html. Types of Research. SIX types of Research. Naturalistic Observation. = observing behavior in the natural environment w/o manipulation POSITIVES: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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