1. DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES Let’s get the facts, fool!

2. Descriptive Methods Methods that yield descriptions or behavior but not necessarily causal explanations.

3. Case Studies  A DETAILED DESCRIPTION of a particular individual being studied or treated. Examples: - Genie the “Wild Child” “Wild Child” - The Marshmallow Test Test

4. The Marshmallow Test REASONING: The test isn’t really about candy, but rather achievement situations and what influences a child to reach his or her choice. FINDINGS: A child’s ability to delay satisfaction resulted in higher SAT scores and lower BMIs.

5. Observational Study  A study in which the researcher carefully and systematically observes and records behavior without interfering with the behavior –Can be NATURALISTIC or LABORATORY OBSERVATION. OBSERVATION.

6. Psychological Tests  Procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits, emotional states, aptitudes, interests, abilities, and values –Best if STANDARDIZED  Uniform procedures exist for giving and scoring the test

7. Psychological Tests  Scoring = Usually done by referring to NORMS (established standards of performance)  TESTS MUST BE: 1) RELIABLE: can be reproduced 2) VALID: must measure what it was designed to what it was designed to measure measure

8. Reliability and Validity An effective test MUST be both reliable AND valid! EXAMPLE: EXAMPLE: If your scale reads your weight every day with an excess of 5 lbs, the scale is RELIABLE. But it is not VALID because it adds 5lbs to your true weight.

9. SURVEYS  Questionnaires and interviews that require direct communication with people - GOAL = REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE : A small group who represent a larger whole -PROBLEM = VOLUNTEER BIAS People who volunteer may offer different opinions than those who don’t.