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CHAPTER 2
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Definition of Scientific Method
Scientific method is an approach used by the
psychologists to systematically
1. Acquire knowledge
2. Understand the behavior and phenomenon of interest
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Steps in ScientificMethod
Three steps:
A. Identifying problem
Sources of problem
i) Behavior / phenomena which requires explanation
ii) Prior research finding
iii) Curiosity, creativity, insight
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B. Formulate an explanation / hypothesis
C. Carry out research
Steps
1. Operationalize hypothesis
2. Select a research methods
3. Collect data
4. Analyze data
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Operationalization
Restating the hypothesis into procedures
which is
Specific, Testable, Measurable, and observable.
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RESEARCHMETHODS
2. Naturalistic observation
3. Survey research
4. Case study
5. Correlational research
6. Experimental research
1. Archival research
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1. Archival Research
Existing data is used to test hypothesis.
Census documents
College records
Newspaper clippings
Problems of archival research:
Data may not exist
Data may be unusable
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2. NaturalisticObservation
The observer observes some naturally occurring behavior.
No changes is made in the situation
Advantage
We get a sample of behavior that people do in thenatural settings
Disadvantages
1. We need to wait until the appropriate conditions occur
2. People may alter their reactions
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3. SurveyResearchIn survey research a representative sample is asked a series
of questions about their behavior, thoughts, and attitudes.
Advantages: A straightforward way
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Limitations
1. If the sample is not representative then the results willhave little meaning.
2. People may respond inaccurately ifloaded questions
are used.
3. Social desirability effect
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4. Case
StudyCase study is the in-depth, intensive study of an individual
or a small group of people.
Personality tests are sometimes used.
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CorrelationalResearchThe relationship between two or more variables is
examined to determine whether they are associated orcorrelated.
Range of correlation: + 1 to - 1
Types of correlation
1. Positive correlation
In positive correlation if the value of one variable increase, the
value of another variable will also increase.
OR, if the value of one variable decreases the value of
another variable will also decrease.
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Negative Correlation
In negative correlation if the value of one variable increase,
the value of other variable decreases.
ZeroCorrelation
When there is no relation between two variables it iscalled zero correlation.
Correlation method allows to predict the strengthof the
relation between two variables but not the cause andeffect relationship.
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Experimental
ResearchIn experimental research the relation between two ormore variable is investigated.
One variable is deliberately changed in a situation. Thisvariable is called independent variable.
The effect of that change on other variables are observed.
These variables are called dependent variable.
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In an experiment there must be at least two groups:
experimental group and control group.
The Experimental group consists of subjects who
receive some special treatment in regard to the
independent variable.
The control group consists of similar subjects who do
not receive the special treatment given to the experimental
group.
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Random assignment
A procedure in which participants are assigned to different
groups on the basis of chance and chance alone.
It ensures that the participants in each group will be equallyintelligent, extroverted, cooperative, and so on.
Experimental method allow us to draw cause-and-effect relationship.
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Limitations of Experiments / Threats to Experiment Validity
1. Experimenter expectation
Experimenters unintentionally transmit cues to participants
about the way they are expected to behave. Consequently
participants behave in the expected way that might not haveoccurred.
2. Participant expectation
Participants develop their own hypotheses about what is
expected of them and they respond / behave accordingly.
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Preventive measures
1. The true purpose of the experiment can be hidden.
2. If the purpose can not be hidden then experimental group
receives treatment and control group is givenplacebo. This
is called single - blind technique.A false treatment where there is no active ingredient.
3. Both the experimenter and the participants are kept blindto the nature of the drug. This is called double-blind
technique.
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Hypothesis:
Anxiety increases desire to affiliate
Choice of subjects College students
Assignment to groups Experimental Control
Manipulation of
independent
variable
Shocks will be
very painful
(high anxiety
group)
Shocks will
be mild and
painless
(low anxiety)
Measurement of
dependent variable
Would you prefer to wait alone or
with others? (desire to affiliate)
Comparison of results High anxiety group wanted to wait with
others more than low anxiety group did.
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