1. CHAPTER 2: PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE Amber Gilewski Tompkins Cortland Community College “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 things that do not work.” Thomas Edison 1847-1931

2. Two Types of Research Pure research (for its own sake) Applied research (used to solve everyday problems) Some elements of good research Construct validity (assess the variables it’s designed to measure) Reliability (consistency)

3. scientific What makes psychological research scientific? THEORIES: broad explanations (example: diffusion of responsibility) HYPOTHESES: statements that allow theories to be tested OPERATIONALIZATION: translating a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured or observed (i.e. anxiety, threatening situation, fear)

4. The Scientific Method Formulate a research question State the hypothesis Test the hypothesis Draw conclusions based on findings Publish research Replicate study

5. Scientific Method

6. Samples and Populations Sample –Segment of population Population –Entire group targeted for study Representative samples allow generalization of findings

7. –Naturalistic observation: observes naturally occurring behavior (i.e. Jane Goodall’s research) –Case studies: in-depth investigation of an individual or small group (i.e. profiles of serial killers) –Surveys: representative group asked questions to assess ideas, attitudes, beliefs (i.e. political beliefs questionnaire)

8. Relationship between 2 sets of variables is examined to see if there is a relationship Correlation coefficient between +1.00 & -1.00 There may be a positive correlation (i.e. religiosity & health), negative correlation (i.e. TV watching & grades), or no correlation (i.e. study hours & height) Correlation does not imply causation

9. Experiment = manipulation of one variable under controlled conditions so that resulting changes in another variable can be observed –Detection of cause-and-effect relationships –Example: effects of alcohol on aggression Independent variable (IV) = variable manipulated (i.e. to receive or not receive alcohol) Dependent variable (DV) = variable affected by manipulation (i.e. aggressive behavior) Quasi-experiments = compare two groups that already exist in the population

10. Figure 2.17 Ethics in research