Module 2: Psychology & Science

Research Method Tool for answering questions 3 Types –Survey –Case study –Experiment

#1: Surveys Way to obtain info by asking many individuals a fixed set of particular questions –Phone, mail, person to person, online Advantages -Obtain information from a large group quickly -Compare answers from different groups (age, culture) Disadvantages -Responses may be influenced by -phrasing of the question -who asks the question -People may not answer truthfully

#2: CASE STUDIES In depth analysis of a single individual Advantage Provides rich, descriptive detail Disadvantage Bias & error related to testimonials

Personal Case Studies: Testimonials –Statement in support of a particular viewpoint based on detailed observations of an individual’s personal experience –Problems with Testimonials Biased personal beliefs Self-fulfilling prophecy Placebos & placebo effects “Total Gym helped make me into the toughest guy around; and it can do the same for you!”

Placebo –Treatment that resembles medical therapy, but has no medical effects –Example taking a sugar pill Placebo Effect –Change in the patient’s illness that is attributable to an imagined treatment –Example taking a sugar pill alleviates patients’ symptoms

Correlation Coefficient Numerical measure of the strength of the relationship 2 Areas to consider –Size ranges from 0 to +/ –Sign (positive or negative) indicates the direction of association

#3: Experiments Following rules and guidelines that minimize the possibility of error and bias in order to identify cause-and- effect relationships using the Scientific Method Advantages –Can identify cause- and-effect relationships –Minimizes error and bias

1.Rule #1: Ask 2.Rule #2: Identify 3.Rule #3: Choose 4.Rule #4: Assign 5.Rule #5: Manipulate 6.Rule #6: Measure 7.Rule #7: Analyze

Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias Rule 1: Ask a question in the form of a hypothesis –Hypothesis = educated Rule 2: Identify the Independent Variable (IV) & Dependent Variable (DV) IV = Treatment DV = Outcome measure Rule 3: Choose subjects who are representative of the population by using random selection Random selection = each subject has an equal chance of being selected to participate

Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.) Rule 4: Randomly assign subjects to experimental and control groups –Experimental group receives the treatment –Control group does not receive the treatment Rule 5: Manipulate the IV by administering the treatment to the experimental group -Double blind procedure: neither the experimenter nor the subject knows which group is receiving the treatment

Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.) Rule 6: Measure effect of the IV on the DV Rule 7: Analyze results using statistical procedures Statistical procedures are used to determine whether observed differences in the DV are due to the IV or to chance

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 3-7% of children are diagnosed with ADHD More common in boys (3:1) 2 major symptoms are hyperactivity/impulsivity & inattention Diagnosis Based on behavioral symptoms rather than medical tests Misdiagnosis may occur because severity of behavioral symptoms varies Treatment Most common treatment is stimulant medication (e.g., Ritalin)

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