1. Research in Psychology

2. Research Basics  All psychological research MUST follow the scientific method  Improves accuracy and validity of findings  “Garbage in, garbage out”  There must be a specific question to answer before beginning research  Your question will drive the experiment process

3. Sampling  Much of psychological research needs a sample of subjects  Sample: a relatively small group out of the total population under study  The results of research must have external validity  External validity: the results can be generalized to a larger population

4. Types of Samples  1. Representative sample  A sample that is typical of the population  2. Nonrepresentative sample  A sample that is NOT typical of the population  How to avoid nonrepresentative sample  1. Random sample: every individual has an equal chance of being studied  2. Stratified sample: Researcher selects individuals based on what is typical in a population

7. Scientific Method  1. Ask a research question  Must be specific and done before research  2. Form a hypothesis  A statement that shows what YOU believe the results of the research will be  3. Determine the variables  Variable: any factor capable of change  Independent variable: the one experimenters change to observe effects  Dependent variable: the variable that changes in relation to the independent variable

8. Scientific Method  4. The Experiment  Experimental group : participants exposed to independent variable  Control group : participants NOT exposed to the independent variable  ALL conditions must be kept the same for both groups  Measure results for each group  5. Compare the measurements  Experimental Group vs. Control Group  6. Draw conclusions  How does the data answer the research question?

9.  1. What is the question I am trying to answer?  2. What do I think the results of my experiment will be?  3. Independent: What did I change for one group?  Dependent: What changes as a result of my experiment?  4. Experimental Group: Who received the independent variable?  Control Group: Who did not receive the independent variable?  5. What are the results of the control group compared to the experimental group?  6. How did the data answer my research question?