© West Educational Publishing Methods of Psychology C HAPTER 2 T his chapter covers some of the...

© West Educational Publishing

Methods of Psychology

CHAPTER 2This chapter covers some of the methods used by psychologists to gain information about people and animals.

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1. Observation

2. Defining a problem

3. Proposing a hypothesis

4. Gathering evidence

5. Writing results

6. Building a theory

What is the scientific method?

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What is the language of experimentation?

hypothesis

subjects

independent variable

dependent variable

placebo

experimental group

control group

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From Hypothesis to Results

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ExpectationA hypothesis is a statement of the results the experimenter expects. It is an explanation of an event or relationship.

No ChangeChange

Example: There is an increase in admissions to mental hospitals during the occurrence of a full moon.

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Example 1- Experimental Design

Factor X(Independent Variable)

Admissions rates increase(Dependent Variable)

Affects

If Factor X (full moon) is present, then the admissions to mental

hospitals should increase.

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Independent Variable Dependent VariableAffects

Experimenter Changes

Action here is dependent on what is done with the independent variable.

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Hypothesis: More people will agree to a request made by a person in uniform than one made by a person without a uniform.

Example 2- Experimental Design

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ControlExperimental

An experimental group, consists of people who receive the independent variable (people in uniform).

The control group consists of people who do not receive the independent variable.

Results Results

Dependent Variable. Count the number of people who respond to the uniformed person and the number who respond to the person without a uniform.

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Independent Variable

Groups

Dependent Variable

The conclusion is based on the results.

Hypothesis Expectation

Experimental

Results

Control

Results

Change No Change

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X amount of sleeping pills helps the healthy person with insomnia to sleep better.

Sleeping pills

Experimental Group

# of people whohad restful nights

PlacebosIndependent Variable

Groups

Dependent Variable # of people who had restful nights

The hypothesis proves to be incorrect. People taking the sleeping pill over a period of days had more insomnia than before. They had less restful sleep than the people in the control group.

(Hartmann, 1984)

Hypothesis

ControlGroup

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Laboratory Studies

M ethods for Studying Behavior

Interviews

Field Studies

Surveys

Naturalistic Observations

Case Studies

Psychological Tests

Longitudinal Studies

Cross-Sectional Studies

Click on the methods for more information.

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researcher can be objective; method provides accurate information

artificial setting; does not reflect the real world

Laboratory Study

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Laboratory Field Studies Survey Naturalistic Interviews

Case Studies Psychological Longitudinal Cross-Sectional&

Click on the topic for more information.

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The Field Study Method

more realistic setting than in a laboratory

often difficult to control all variables

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Subject #1:




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The Survey Method

Defined as asking questions of a carefully selected group of people and tabulating their answers.

Information can be gathered about feelings, opinions, and behavior patterns.

Interpretation difficult; sample may not be representative.

Advantage:

Disadvantages:




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The Naturalistic Observation Method

Defined as observing behaviors in their natural settings.

Disadvantages:Researcher cannot interact with the subject.

Researcher may interpret subject’s responses incorrectly.




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The Interview Method

Advantage:

Disadvantages:

Responses may not be completely honest. The researcher’s biases can influence subject’s behavior.

Researcher can obtain personal, detailed information.




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Defined as a thorough, exhaustive study of a person. It includes personal, educational, family and work histories.Advantage:

A wealth of background information about one person

Disadvantages:Information cannot be generalized to others; also, researcher’s biases can influence subject’s behavior.

The Case Study Method




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The Psychological Testing Method

Advantages: tests provide accurate, objective information; little distortion.

Disadvantage: limited in amount of information that can be obtained.




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The Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Methods

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Case Studies Psychological Longitudinal Cross-Sectional&EXIT


Basic Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Researchers

Do no harm.Accurately describe risks to potential subjects.Ensure that participation is voluntary.Minimize any discomfort to participants.Maintain confidentiality.Do not unnecessarily invade privacy.Remove any misconceptions caused by deception

(debrief).Provide results and interpretations to participants.Treat participants with dignity and respect.

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Summary of Main Topics Covered

Scientific Method

Experimentation

Methodology for Studying Behavior

Ethical Guidelines

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