1. Research Methods

2. Naturalistic Observations
Advantages
Disadvantages

3. Survey
Advantages
Disadvantages

4. Case-Study
Advantage
Disadvantages
Self-fulfilling Prophecy-

5. Experimental Method Advantages Disadvantages
Can determine cause (independent variable) and effect (dependent variable)
Disadvantages

6. The Scientific Method- Seven Steps in an Experiment
ASK Question & Form a Hypothesis
Example: Does Ritalin help children with ADHD?
Hypothesis- Ritalin does help reduce negative classroom behaviors.

8. Scientific Method Cont.
2. Identify the treatments & define terms
Independent variable (IV)-
Dependent variable (DV)-
Extraneous/Con-founding Variables-
Placebo-
Example:
IV- amount of Ritalin
DV- negative classroom behaviors

9. Scientific Method Cont.
3. Choose Subjects
random selection-
4. Assign Subjects Randomly to Groups
Experimental Group-
Control Group-

10. Scientific Method Cont.
5. Manipulate
Single-Blind, Double-Blind, or No-Blind?
Pros of Double-Blind- reduces experimenter bias

11. Scientific Method Cont.
6. Measure- actually conduct the experiment
7. Analyze the results using statistics
Example:
ADHD children given placebo showed 9.8 negative behaviors/30min.
ADHD children given ritalin showed 4.8 negative behaviors/30min.

12. Correlations
Surveys, Natural Observations, & Case-studies can determine correlations
Correlation indicates a relationship between variables
Ex: Smoking & Cancer, High School GPA & College GPA, Moon & Odd Behavior

13. Positive v. Negative Correlations
Positive- variables move in same direction (both increase or decrease)
Negative- variables move in opposite direction

14. Identify the variables and if the correlation is positive or negative
When it is hot outside more ice cream is sold.
A group of over weight individuals noticed that the more they went to the gym, their weight decreased.
The more a person flosses the fewer cavities they have.
Tall people tend to have larger shoe sizes.

15. Correlation Coefficent
number that indicated the STRENGTH of the relationship between two variables
It is a number between (+1.0) and (-1.0)
The closer the number to (+1) or (-1) the stronger the correlation
0= no correlation

16. Code of Ethics
The APA code of ethics for psychologists to follow when doing research or counseling

17. Ethical Guidelines Signed Consent & volunteers Confidentiality
Experiments are not approved unless any potentially damaging effects can be eliminated or counteracted
Debriefing- explaining the purpose and method of the experiment asking the subjects their feelings about participating
Rights of animals