1.  Aim: The purpose of a study ◦ Why are we doing this? What is it we want to accomplish?  Procedure: step by step plan for accomplishing the aim. ◦ This should always be written so that it can be easily replicated by the reader. ◦ Tells us how to collect the data and details exactly what the behavior studied was.  Target population: a group whose behavior a researcher wishes to examine. ◦ Ex. If I am interested in studying the relationship between teen drinking and extracurricular participation, my target population is TEENS.

2.  Participants: people that take part in a study.  Sample: A group of participants. ◦ 2 main categories: Representative Sampling and Non-Representative Sampling. ◦ The main goal of sampling is that your sample is representative of the population. If your sample is not representative, you cannot generalize your results. That is, we cannot say that the findings of our research with the sample are true for the whole population.

3.  Requires that you identify a target population, and then you select a subsample to represent that identified target group.  Two Types: ◦ Simple Random Sampling: means EVERYONE in the target population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. ◦ Stratified Random Sampling: The target population is divided into subcategories representing the total population.  If 10% of VA students are Chinese, then a stratified sample of VA students must include 10% of the sample as Chinese students.

4.  Is the ONLY kind of sampling that allows for the statistical generalization of study results outside the sample.  This type of sampling is incredibly difficult to do, and is rarely used.

5.  Does not necessarily represent a target population, but may do so.  3 Types: ◦ Self-Selected Sample: made up of volunteers ◦ Snowball Sampling: Participants recruit their friends/family to participate also. ◦ ****Opportunity/Convenience Sampling: Using participants that are convenient and available at the time of the study (what you will do in your IA).  Main strength of Opp/Con Sampling is the ease.  Main weakness is that the sample may NOT represent the larger population, and you have no way to be sure.

6.  Psychological Research can not cause harm!  Mental, Physical, or Emotional  You must follow the governing guidelines applicable for your institution.

7. ◦ Informed Consent: Required! (tell them exactly what they will experience). Participants usually sign a form indicating they understand what is involved in the study. ◦ Deception: cannot be used if it can cause harm or stress. Some slight deception is ok, but must be approved before you start research. ◦ Debriefing: Every true aim and purpose of the study must be revealed to participants at the end of the study. Participants should leave the study without undue stress. ◦ Withdrawal: Every participant has to right to withdraw at any time, and must be informed so during consent. ◦ Confidentiality: All information is kept confidential. Keep in mind, that does not mean that participants are anonymous. ◦ NO HARM IS ALLOWED TO ANY PARTICIPANTS!

8.  Read 1.2. Take notes on the end of the section (Evaluating Findings, Validity and Reliability, and Some Points to Consider)  Read Loftus and Palmer (1974) and complete the Study Summary sheet for the research concepts we discussed today.