Module 2: Psychology & Science
Research Method
• Tool for answering questions
• 3 Types– Survey– Case study– Experiment
#1:
Surveys• Way to obtain info by asking many individuals a
fixed set of particular questions– Phone, mail, person to person, online
Advantages-Obtain information from a large group quickly-Compare answers from different groups (age, culture)
Disadvantages-Responses may be influenced by
-phrasing of the question -who asks the question
-People may not answer truthfully
#2: CASE STUDIES• In depth analysis of a single individual
AdvantageProvides rich, descriptive detail
DisadvantageBias & error related to testimonials
• Personal Case Studies: Testimonials– Statement in support of a particular viewpoint
based on detailed observations of an individual’s personal experience
– Problems with Testimonials• Biased personal beliefs• Self-fulfilling prophecy• Placebos & placebo effects
“Total Gym helped make me into the toughest guy around; and it can do the same for you!”
• Placebo– Treatment that resembles medical therapy,
but has no medical effects – Example
• taking a sugar pill• Placebo Effect
– Change in the patient’s illness that is attributable to an imagined treatment
– Example• taking a sugar pill alleviates patients’
symptoms
Correlation Coefficient
• Numerical measure of the strength of the relationship
• 2 Areas to consider– Size
• ranges from 0 to +/- 1.00
– Sign (positive or negative)
• indicates the direction of association
#3:
Experiments
• Following rules and guidelines that minimize the possibility of error and bias in order to identify cause-and-effect relationships using the Scientific Method
• Advantages– Can identify cause-
and-effect relationships– Minimizes error and
bias
1. Rule #1: Ask2. Rule #2: Identify3. Rule #3: Choose4. Rule #4: Assign5. Rule #5:
Manipulate6. Rule #6: Measure7. Rule #7: Analyze
Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error &
Bias• Rule 1: Ask a question in the form
of a hypothesis– Hypothesis = educated
•Rule 2: Identify the Independent Variable (IV) & Dependent Variable (DV)
IV = TreatmentDV = Outcome measure
•Rule 3: Choose subjects who are representative of the population by using random selection
Random selection =each subject has an equal chance of being selected to participate
Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.)
• Rule 4: Randomly assign subjects to experimental and control groups– Experimental group
• receives the treatment– Control group
• does not receive the treatment
•Rule 5: Manipulate the IV by administering the treatment to the experimental group
-Double blind procedure:neither the experimenter nor the subject knows which group is receiving the treatment
Conducting Experiments - 7 Rules to Reduce Error & Bias (Cont.)
• Rule 6: Measure effect of the IV on the DV
Rule 7: Analyze results using statistical procedures
Statistical procedures are used to determine whether observed differences in the DV are due to the IV or to chance
ADHD• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder• 3-7% of children are diagnosed with ADHD• More common in boys (3:1)• 2 major symptoms are hyperactivity/impulsivity & inattention
•Diagnosis•Based on behavioral symptoms rather than medical tests
Misdiagnosis may occur because severity of behavioral symptoms varies
•Treatment•Most common treatment is stimulant medication (e.g., Ritalin)
THAT’S IT
Make sure you study tonight!!!
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