1. Research Methods in I/O Psychology
Chapter 2
Research Methods in I/O Psychology
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2. Learning Objectives Understand the empirical research cycle.
Know the relative advantages and disadvantages of the laboratory experiment, quasi-experiment, questionnaire, and observation research methods.
Understand meta-analysis and data mining.
Understand the purpose of organizational neuroscience.
Understand the value of qualitative research.
Understand the concept of correlation and its interpretation.
Understand the limitations of assessing causality.
Have an awareness and appreciation of the ethical issues associated with I/O psychological research.
Understand the difference between academic-based and practitioner-based research.
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3. Overview Generalizability Three goals of science Describe Predict
Explain
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4. The Empirical Research Process
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5. Step 1: Statement of the Problem
Theory
F. Kerlinger’s definitions
Theory, Hypotheses, Concepts, Constructs, Operational definitions.
Inductive vs. deductive method
Induce a theory, deduct a hypothesis
Why theory is important in psychology
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6. Step 2: Design of the Research Study
Research design
Naturalness of the setting
Degree of control
External vs. internal validity
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7. Primary Research Methods
Laboratory Experiment
Causality
Problems of generalizability
Quasi-Experiment
Less control, more generalizability
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8. Primary Research Methods (cont’d)
Questionnaire
Response rate problem
Truthfulness of responses
Internet surveys
Observation
Generate ideas for further testing
Rich with data in environment where behavior being studied occurs
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9. Secondary Research Methods
Meta-analysis
Statistical study of studies – aggregates results
Estimate of “true” relationship
Subjective decisions
File drawer effect of non-published studies
Problem from differences in level of analysis of original studies
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10. Secondary Research Methods
Data Mining
"Big Data"
Used to reveal patterns of large data sets
Three research issues distinctive from other I/O research methods
Wide range of possible scale values
Uses correlation coefficient and other statistical indices
Not necessarily used to test theories
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11. Organizational Neuroscience
Study of organizational attitudes and behavior at the physiological level
High cost
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12. Qualitative Research Ethnography
Etic and emic perspectives
Still rarely used in comparison to quantitative research
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13. Steps 3 & 4: Measurement & Analysis
Measurement of Variables
Quantitative vs. categorical
Research variables – Independent, dependent, predictor, criterion
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14. Steps 3 & 4: Measurement & Analysis (cont’d)
The Correlation Coefficient (r)
Reflects degree of linear relationship
Range from to
Direction is either positive or negative
Magnitude – size is index of strength of the relationship
Determining Causality
Cannot be inferred from correlation
Determining causality through non- experimental methods is highly controversial
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15. Step 5: Conclusions from Research
Boundary conditions for generalizability
Representativeness of subjects
Degree of fit between subjects and research task
Research method (laboratory vs. field study)
The debate about university students as subjects
Research as a cumulative process
Research as a craft
The role of serendipity
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16. Ethical Issues in Research
APA Code of Ethics – Five rights of participants
Informed consent
Privacy
Confidentiality
Protection from deception
Debriefing
Consequences for violating these rights during and after
The complexity of real-life ethical dilemmas
Research is not value-free
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17. Academic-based and Practitioner-based Research
Transfer of knowledge from lab to life (medical model)
Scientist-practitioner gap
Descriptive vs. prescriptive information
Differing goals of research
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