Research in Psychology

The Scientific Method

Study Design

Variables – Create an operational definition of the things you will measure in your research (How will you observe and measure your variables?)

Population – identify the large groups you want your research to apply to. Representative sample- should match the population

in question on important characteristics Random sampling- where each person in a research

study has an equal chance of being selected Volunteer bias- those who volunteer probably differ

from those that stay silent

Descriptive Studies

Case Study Provides in-depth description of a

particular individual or event, rare occurring phenomenon

Advantages: Unusual cases can shed light on situations/ problems that are unethical to study in other ways

Disadvantages: Individual may not be representative or typical, researcher biases

Descriptive Studies

Survey/ Interview Research method that asks subjects

questions about their feelings, opinions or behavior patterns

Advantages: Large amounts of information about large numbers of people

Disadvantages: If sample is non-representative or biased info in inaccurate, Responses may not be true

Descriptive Studies

Naturalistic Observation Method that involves studying subjects

without their being award that they are being watched

Advantages: Behavior studies is completely natural

Disadvantages: Researcher bias, unable to interact with subjects, limited control

Descriptive Studies

Laboratory Observation Method to observe behavior in a more

controlled setting

Advantages: Allows more control and the use of sophisticated equipment

Disadvantages: Setting is somewhat artificial, may not reflect the “real world”

Descriptive Studies

Psychological Tests Objective methods for observation and

measurement of subjects in various areas

Advantages: information gathered on personality traits, emotional stats, aptitudes, abilities

Disadvantages: Difficult to construct tests that are valid and reliable

Descriptive Studies

Content Analysis A research method that examines

written data for patterns in behavior

Advantages: Collect large amounts of information without having to meet subjects

Disadvantages: limited information

The Experiment

A controlled test of the hypothesis The only way to prove a cause-effect

relationship! Manipulation of variables:

Independent variable: the variable the experimenter changes

Dependent variable: a variable the experimenter predicts will be affected by the independent variable (in psychology it’s the behavior you are observing)

Dividing the sample:

Experimental group: exposed to the IV

Control group: not exposed to the IV

The Experiment