1. The Research Enterprise in Psychology
Unit 1
Chapter 2
Research Methods, Measurement, and Statistics
Students will describe research methods and measurements used to study behavior and mental processes and identify ethical issues in research with human and non-human animals. Students will also explain basic concepts of data analysis

2. Steps in a Scientific Investigation
hypothesis- tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables
variables- any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviors that are controlled or observed in a study
theory- set of interrelated ideas used to explain and connect known facts and predict events
P.1 Describe the scientific method and its role in psychology.

3. Experiments
experiments allow researchers to detect cause-and-effect relationships among variables and subjects
independent variable- condition/event that is manipulated
dependent variable- affected by manipulation of independent variable
experimental group- subjects who receive special treatment through independent variable
control group- subjects who do not receive special treatment
P.2 Describe and compare a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods

4. Other Research Methods
Naturalistic Observation
Researcher engages in careful observation of behavior without intervening directly with subjects
Less artificial than experiments
Case Studies
in-depth investigation of an individual subject
data collection methods include interviews, observations, and psychological testing
popular among clinical psychologists investigating psychological disorders
Surveys
questionnaires or interviews that gather information about subjects background or behavior
collect data on attitudes and opinions from large samples
P.2 Describe and compare a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods

5. Research Problems and Resolutions
extraneous variables- any variable other than IV that influences DV
confounding of variables- occurs when 2 variables are linked making it difficult to sort out their specific effects
random assignment- all subjects have equal chance or being assigned to any group or condition in study
P.3 Elaborate on systematic procedures used to improve the validity of research findings

6. Looking for Flaws: Evaluating Research
P.9 Explain how validity and reliability of observations and measurements relate to data analysis.

7. Know your terms Hypothesis: IV: DV: Control Group: Experimental Group:
proposed explanation
variable the researcher controls/manipulates
response to the change in the independent variable; the measurements collected in the experiment
subjects do not receive the independent variable; standard of comparison for the experimental group
subjects exposed to the independent variable; the test group

8. Quiz Practice
Students who study perform better in school.
Hypothesis: If _______________________________, then _______________________________________
IV: ___________________ DV: __________________
Control Group: _____________________________
Experimental Group: ________________________
a student studies
he/she will perform better in school
studying
grades/performance
students not studying
students studying

9. Conduct Your Own! First, pick a topic that interests your group.
Formulate a hypothesis.
MUST be a statement about the outcome you predict will occur.
Choose a method
Survey or naturalistic observation
Collect your data
Tally marks work great!
Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions
Create a chart/graph to represent the data you collected
Draw 2-3 conclusions on why you think people responded or behaved in certain ways.
Report your Findings
Include a final statement about your results
State whether your hypothesis was supported or rejected.
Last, turn in to basket with all members names.