1. Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010 1 Scientific Method: Observation Choose a variable. Phenomenon studied by scientists Anything that can change Develop a theory. Idea that attempts to explain observations Seeks to explain why something happened Can be used to make predictions

2. Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010 2 Scientific Method: Hypothesis Formulate a hypothesis. Educated guess derived from theory Prediction that can be tested If supported, can lend credibility to theory

3. Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010 3 Scientific Method: Research Establish an operational definition. Objective description of variable How will variable be measured? Collect and analyze data. Number crunching What do data mean?

4. Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010 4 Scientific Method: Conclusions Draw conclusions. Is theory supported? Should theory be changed? Evaluate conclusions. Publication and review Ongoing research process

5. Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010 5 Types of Psychological Research Research Methods Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3MRWen4Sf Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3MRWen4Sf Y