How psychologist know what they know Quality Research The 5 Characteristics of QUALITY Scientific Research 1. It is based on measurements that are objective, valid, and reliable 2. It can be generalized 3. It uses techniques that reduce bias 4. It is made public 5. It can be replicated All relating back to the 4 goals of psychology

Naturalistic Observation What is your natural setting? Natural setting- The environment that is typical for a personal or animal to live.

Naturalistic Observation Provides only descriptions of behavior, not explanations. Said to retain Ecological Validity And build External Validity

Naturalistic Observation Provides only descriptions of behavior, not explanations. Exists in the natural ecology/setting. Said to retain Ecological Validity And build External Validity Easier to extend findings to general public.

Limitations What limitations did you see with Diego and the girl? Observer Effect Observer Bias The idea that a subject’s behavior changes due to an awareness of being observed How can we avoid the observer effect??? Problem associated with the idea that observers see what they expect to see or only record specific details.

Anthropomorphic Error The error of attributing human thoughts, feelings, or motives to animals when explaining their behavior Agree?? What about pets??

Placebo Effect Placebos are simply fake pills or injections If the placebo has any effect, it must be based on suggestion True or False?

Placebo Effect All About our Expectations!! Placebos are simply fake pills or injections If the placebo has any effect, it must be based on suggestion

Single vs. Double Single-Blind Experiments Subjects do not know if they are receiving the actual drug, or just a placebo Double-Blind Experiments Neither the subject, or the experimenter knows who gets the actual drug or just the placebo Tries to eliminate the idea of experimenter effect. Those changes in behavior caused by the unintended influences of those doing the experimenting. We know what is expected of us.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy People are prompted to act in ways that make the prediction come true.

Ethics in Psychology Just like a physicist or biologist would worry about the ethics of nuclear power ethics or genetically engineered babies, psychologists must worry about ethics as well. -Stress -Harm -Inconvenience -Violation of Moral Values

Ethics in Psychology In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services and APA decides the standards for ethical research.

Ethics in Psychology -Trust and positive rapport are created between the researcher and the participant. -The rights of both the experimenter and participant are considered, and the relationship between them is mutually beneficial. -The experimenter treats the participant with concern and respect and attempts to make the research experience a pleasant and informative one. -Before the research begins, the participant is given all information relevant to his or her decision to participate, including any possibilities of physical danger or psychological stress. -The participant is given a chance to have questions about the procedure answered, thus guaranteeing his or her free choice about participating. -After the experiment is over, any deception that has been used is made public, and the necessity for it is explained. -The experimenter carefully debriefs the participant, explaining the underlying research hypothesis and the purpose of the experimental procedure in detail and answering any questions.

Ethics in Psychology -Prevent Harm -Free Choice -Privacy -Careful Deception

Animal Ethics in Psychology -Psychologists acquire, care for, use, and dispose of animals in compliance with current federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and with professional standards. -Psychologists trained in research methods and experienced in the care of laboratory animals supervise all procedures involving animals and are responsible for ensuring appropriate consideration of their comfort, health, and humane treatment. -Psychologists ensure that all individuals under their supervision who are using animals have received instruction in research methods and in the care, maintenance, and handling of the species being used, to the extent appropriate to their role. -Psychologists make reasonable efforts to minimize the discomfort, infection, illness, and pain of animal subjects. -Psychologists use a procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress, or privation only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, educational, or applied value. -Psychologists perform surgical procedures under appropriate anesthesia and follow techniques to avoid infection and minimize pain during and after surgery. -When it is appropriate that an animal’s life be terminated, psychologists proceed rapidly, with an effort to minimize pain and in accordance with accepted procedures. (American Psychological Association, 2002

The Hawthorne Effect What is the Hawthorne Effect? How does it lead to Industrial Psychology? How can a researcher limit the Hawthorne Effect?

Make sure you are seated in your alphabetical seat Make sure you are seated in your alphabetical seat. At 11:45 we will be silent and productive.