Scientific Method and Research in Psychology

Steps for the Scientific Method

1) ask research question 2) form hypothesis 3) determine variables---- independent and dependent variables 4) experiment (testing)----- Experimental group and Control group 5) compare measurements 6) Interpret results and draw conclusions

Researchers can draw two conclusions

1) the data supports the hypothesis 2) the data does not support the hypothesis

Placebo Effect

A change in a participant's illness or behavior that results from a belief that the treatment will have an effect, rather than the actual treatment

Double-blind Experiment

An experiment in which neither the experimenter nor the participants received which treatment

Scientific method

Construct hypothesis, Gather data, analyze data, research conclusion, and develop theories

(Pre-research) Informal Survey

General, non-specific way of collecting information through asking questions

Correlation

Measure of relationship between two variables or sets of data

Cross Sectional Study

Method where data is collected from groups of different ages and compared so that conclusions can be drawn about differences due to age

Longitudinal Study

Method where information is collected about a group over a number of years to assess how characteristics change or remain the same

To avoid this: Single-blind Experiment

Participants are unaware of which participants actually received the treatment

To determine the best way of testing

Psychology first identifies the information to be gathered. The ideas the best way to gather the information

Dependent variable

The one that changes in relation to the independent variable

Avoid a Self-fulfilling Prophecy

a situation where a researchers expectations influence that person's own behavior, thereby influencing the behavior of the participant

Scientific Method

an approach to gathering information and answering question that reduces the chances for bias and errors

Hypothesis

an educated guess that seeks to explain a behavior or phenomenon

Theory

an explanation of a behavior or phenomenon based on the analysis of large amounts of data

Variable

any factor that is capable of change

Research begins by

asking a question. From these questions a hypothesis is formed about behavior. Then the psychologists develops a method to test the hypothesis

The scientific method is used by

experimental psychologists to avoid errors and bias in their research

Formal Survey

information is obtained by asking many individuals as set of questions. May consist of interviews, questionnaires or a combination of the two

Psychology

is a science

(Methods of Research) Naturalistic Observation

method in which the psychologist observes the subjects in a natural setting without interfering

Case Study

method that involves an intensive investigation of one or more participants

Control group

the group that is treated in the same way as the experimental group except the experimental group treat meant (the independent variable) is not applied

If the data supports the hypothesis

the psychologist may propose a theory that others can test

If the data does not support the hypothesis

the psychologist will begin the process again, starting with a new hypothesis

After the data is gathered

the results are analyzed

Researchers consider

the type of information, the amount of information needed, and resources and time frame

Independent variable

the variable researchers change or alter so they can observe its effects