1. Basic Research Terms and Methods Goals of psychological research Measurement and description of behavior Understanding and prediction of behavior Application and control of behavior

2. Steps in the research process Step 1 – formulate a hypothesis Must be precisely crafted and variables must be clearly defined  Operational definitions – establish precisely what is meant by that variable in that particular study.  Examples…..

4. Step 2 – select the research method How can you best test your hypothesis?  Case study? Experiment? Survey? Naturalistic observation? All have advantages and disadvantages.  What sample will you use? Who will your participants be? How large will your sample be?

5. Step 3 – collect the data What procedures will you use to collect empirical data?  Questionaire, interview, direct observation, tests, archival records, or some combination?

6. Step 4 – analyze the data and draw conclusions The use of statistics (more on that later)

7. Step 5 – Report the findings Write up the results and publish in a professional journal. Wait for the critique of your colleagues!

8. Experimental vs. Correlational Research Experimental research allows you to discuss cause and effect, because you can have greater control over variables. Correlational or descriptive research only allows you to say that variable a is related to variable b.