Chapter 2 The Research Process Text: Zechmeister, J. S., Zechmeister, E. B., & Shaughnessy, J. J. (2001). Essentials of research methods in Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question

Cultural Context Theories are becoming increasingly complex Temporal (time-related) characteristics of knowledge Ethnocentrism – when we attempt to understand the behavior of people in a different culture through the view of our own culture

Develop a Research Question Search the Psychological Literature The answer to your question may already be there Science is cumulative – current research builds on previous research Electronic databases Read the articles – not just the Abstract

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis

Forming Theories and Hypotheses Research hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon Hypothesis: based on a theory, a prediction about the outcome of research

Forming Theories and Hypotheses Theories Ideas about how nature works Guides research by suggesting hypotheses Function is to guide research and organize empirical knowledge The greater the scope of a theory, the more complicated it is likely to be

Forming Theories and Hypotheses Theories Suggest testable hypotheses Research hypothesis – potential explanation We empirically test hypotheses to look for support or disconfirmation of a theory Is the theory logical? Best theories are parsimonious - simple

Forming Theories, Hypotheses, and Operational Definitions Hypotheses Testable hypotheses have clearly defined concepts, are not circular, and refer to concepts that can be observed

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions

Forming Operational Definitions Operational Definitions Define a concept solely in terms of the “operations” (or methods) used to produce and measure it Once defined, no disagreement about what the concept means, according to this definition for this study Identify variables (factors that vary)

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions Choose a Research Design

Plan for answering a research question Four types of designs: Observational and Correlational Experimental Quasi-experimental Single-case designs

Observational and Correlational Research Designs Description and prediction Researcher does not attempt to control or manipulate characteristics of the participants or the setting Select a sample, then observe and measure variables = assigning numbers to observations Causation is not addressed

Experimental Designs To answer questions about the causes of phenomena Maximize control over variables in the experiment Independent variable – controlled or manipulated by the researcher Dependent variable – depends on how the independent variable is manipulated Most powerful designs for measuring cause- and-effect

Quasi-experimental designs Not able to control all aspects of the environment

Single-case designs Most often used in clinical contexts Baseline-treatment-baseline Observe behavior as it naturally occurs Control as many aspects of the treatment situation as possible

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions Choose a Research Design Evaluate the Ethics

Evaluate the Ethics of Research Risk/Benefit Committees at universities and hospitals for the purpose of considering ethical issues associated with research Participant welfare

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions Choose a Research Design Evaluate the Ethics Collect Data

Identify the sample Random selection Observation/measurement

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions Choose a Research Design Evaluate the Ethics Collect Data Analyze Data and Form Conclusions

Analyze Data/Form Conclusions Data analysis – summarize individuals’ responses and determine whether data supports the hypothesis Stages: Get to know the data Summarize the data Confirm what the data reveal

Steps of the Research Process Develop a Research Question Generate a Research Hypothesis Form Operational Definitions Choose a Research Design Evaluate the Ethics Collect Data Analyze Data and Form Conclusions Report Research Results

Conferences Peer review journals

End of Unit 2 Seminar! Questions??? Congratulations! You have a broad overview of research which will help sort out what your Unit 2 Project entails. See you on the Discussion Board!