1. Research Strategies Making Sense of Research Methods

2. Research Methods Critical Thinking –Does not blindly accept conclusions or arguments –Examines assumptions –Evaluates evidence –Assesses conclusions

3. Researcher bias A tendency for researchers to selectively notice evidence that supports their hypotheses or expectations

4. Participant bias A tendency for research participants to act a certain way because they know they are being observed

5. Ethics Four basic principles: 1.Informed consent 2.Right to be protected from harm and discomfort 3.Right to confidentiality 4.Right to debriefing – participants must receive a full explanation of the research they were involved in

6. Types of Research Methods Naturalistic Observation, Case Studies, Correlations, Surveys

7. Naturalistic Observation Observing and recording behavior in a naturally occurring situation Researcher does not try to control the situation

8. Case Studies One person or subject is studied in depth Researcher hopes to reveal universal principles based on one subject

9. Correlations Positive Correlation –Shows a direct relationship between two variables –Both variables increase or decrease in the same direction Negative Correlation –One variable increases as the other decreases

10. Surveys Population –All cases in a group from which samples can be drawn for a study Random sample –A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being included

11. Experiments Hypothesis –An investigator’s prediction about the outcome of the research

12. Operational Definition Specifies the exact procedures which will be used Defines the variable so it can be measurable for research purposes

13. Independent Variable (IV) The research variable that is manipulated Causes a change in the dependent variable if the hypothesis is correct

14. Dependent Variable (DV) The research variable influenced by the independent variable In psychology it is the behavior or mental process that is impacted by the IV

15. Random Assignment Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance Allows for a more representative population sample

16. Confounding variables A variable other than the IV which could influence the DV Researchers must control for confounding variables

17. Experiments Step by Step The Science of Psychology

18. Step 1 Develop the hypothesis Develop the hypothesis

19. Step 2 Create operational definitions for the independent and dependent variables Create operational definitions for the independent and dependent variables

20. Step 3 Randomly select a sample of participants from the population Randomly select a sample of participants from the population

21. Step 4 Randomly assign the participants to the experimental and control group Randomly assign the participants to the experimental and control group

22. Step 5 Expose the experimental group, but not the control group, to the IV. If necessary, use a placebo with the control group to balance expectations Expose the experimental group, but not the control group, to the IV. If necessary, use a placebo with the control group to balance expectations

23. Step 6 Control for other confounding variables by using a double- blind procedure and treating both groups the same except for exposure to the IV Control for other confounding variables by using a double- blind procedure and treating both groups the same except for exposure to the IV

24. Step 7 Learn the impact of the independent variable by measuring the dependent variable for both groups Learn the impact of the independent variable by measuring the dependent variable for both groups

25. Step 8 Use statistical analysis to discover whether the difference in the DV is likely to have been caused by the manipulation of the IV Use statistical analysis to discover whether the difference in the DV is likely to have been caused by the manipulation of the IV

26. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #1 Jogging increases lung capacity experimentation #2 Individuals having one or more hobbies report more job satisfaction than individuals having no hobbies survey

27. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #3 Unmarried cab drivers talk more with their customers than do married cab drivers Naturalistic observation #4 Work productivity increases when workers are allowed flexible hours Experimentation

28. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #5 Intellectual ability increases when environments are more stimulating Positive correlation #6 A child with an intellectual disability will improve social skills through peer modeling Case study

29. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #7 A child removed from an abusive environment and placed in an enriched environment Case study #8 More men than women report fantasies of making large sums of money than women Survey

30. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #9 The purchase of tranquilizers increases during monetary crises Naturalistic observation #10 Alcoholics show more signs of brain damage than non-alcoholics. Is this Applied or Basic Research? Applied Research

31. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods #11 As time spent watching television increases, GPAs decrease Negative correlation #12 Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time in females Experimentation