1. Research Methods

2. A series of steps that people use to solve problems
The Scientific Method
A series of steps that people use to solve problems
STEPS:
State the problem
Form a hypothesis*
Perform an experiment
Record and analyze data
Draw a conclusion
* Not always necessary for solving every problem

3. Two Types of Scientific Investigations:
(1) Controlled Experiments
Performed in order to determine if a variable affects something else
Two or more groups of subjects, treated exactly the same
One exception: One group does NOT get the variable in question (control group)
The other group(s) is/are called
the experimental group(s)

4. Example: Does CortiSlim really help people lose weight?
No, it doesn’t!
[Does CortiSlim affect weight?]
Group 1
Experimental Group
Group 2
Control Group
Takes CortiSlim
No CortiSlim
PLACEBO
Treated the same in all other ways!
Compare weight loss after 6 months (?)
Average wt. loss: 1 lb.
Average Wt. Loss: 1 lb.

5. Compare average IQ between the groups
(2) Studies
Performed when controlled experiments are not possible (because a control group is not possible)
Example: Does gender affect IQ?
Average IQ: 100 Average IQ: 120
Group 1
Males
Group 2
Females
Compare average IQ between the groups
Fake Data

6. Controlled Experiment or Study? Controlled Exeriment or Study?
Does light intensity affect plant growth?
Does body weight affect blood pressure?
Does age affect physical strength?
Does the amount of TV watched affect how well a child sleeps?
Does walking your dog increase its lifespan?
Does the brand of skin cream you use affect how young your skin looks?
Does height affect heart attack rate?

7. Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Conduct a Controlled Experiment!!! Question: Does squeezing a stress ball really work to reduce your stress level? Materials Provided: stress balls, clock with second hand
How will you measure “stress level”?
What will your
control group consist of?
Which variables should stay constant?
What is your hypothesis?

8. Procedures Divide class into two groups: experimental and control.
Experimental subjects get a stress ball; control group does not.
Everyone take heart rate (count for 30 sec. X 2); record.
Experimental group relaxes while squeezing stress ball for two minutes, during which time the control group just relaxes.
Re-take heart rate (step #3); record.
Gather class data and calculate averages.
Analyze class data and draw a conclusion.

9. Stress Ball Experiment: CLASS DATA
HR (beats/min.) EXPERIMENTAL GROUP
HR (beats/min.) CONTROL GROUP
Before
After
jAveragek
lWhat happened?m

10. LABORATORY REPORT FORMAT
Your Name
Date
Name of Partner(s)
Title of Lab
Problem Statement
State the problem your experiment aims to answer “In this experiment we will determine...” or “How does (x) affect (y)?”
Identify the independent variable (x) and the dependent variable (y) of your experiment
Include a hypothesis using an “If….then…..because….” statement
Procedures
Carefully explain the steps needed to replicate your experiment.
Clarify any control group in your procedures. We use a control group to compare our results in order to determine whether or not there was a change or difference in the data. The control group is usually the group or setup within the experiment that has nothing added or done to it.
Data
Display data in the form of a table and a graph, each properly titled and labeled
Indicate units of measurement (if appropriate)
Conclusions
Referring to your data, answer your problem statement.
Discuss at least three important issues that affected the accuracy or truthfulness of your results
LABORATORY REPORT FORMAT

11. Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Conduct a Controlled Experiment!!! Question: Materials Provided: stress balls, clock with second hand, stopwatches
How will we measure “stress level”?
What will our control group consist of?
Which variables should stay constant?
What is your hypothesis?