What is the scientific method?a set of principles and procedures that are used
by researchers to develop questions, collect data and reach conclusions.
In psychology the goals for research are to:to describe behaviors explain why these behaviors occurto predict and even change human behavior.
Steps in psychology research
Step 1 - Identify a problem
Step 2 - Form a Testable Hypothesis
Step 3 – Design a method
Step 4 - Collect Data
Step 5 – Analyse Data
Step 6 - Reach Conclusions
Step 7 – Report the Findings
Image from: http://home.badc.rl.ac.uk/lawrence/blog/2009/04/16/scientific_method
Types of research
Experimental
Scientist sets up controlled conditions to measure the effect of one variable on another
Descriptive
1.Case studiesin-depth study of a
single individual or group
2.Observational Collection of data by
watching & recording behaviour as it occurs
All types have their advantages & disadvantages
Identifying the problem
1. Research literature on the topic
2. Refine the idea and purpose so it is specific
Hypothesis
Has to be testable
Written in the form: If ‘IV’ then ‘DV’
Statement, not question Clear and precise Single sentence
Design the method1. Variables in experimental research
Independent variable (IV) What is being manipulated
Dependent variable (DV) What is being observed/effected by the IV
Extraneous variables Eg: participant age, gender, mood Sometimes can be controlled before
Design the methodSampling Techniques
Random - randomly selecting a number of participants from a group. All have an equal chance of being selected
Stratified - randomly selecting participants from different subsets of the population. Selected in the same proportions as they occur in the population
Design the method2. Control group & experimental group
random allocation of participants to groups
Experimental group – IV present
Design the method
3. Avoid pre-conceived answers (to avoid bias)
Selection bias – if participants aren’t representative of the population
Observer Bias: Occurs when observer/experimenter sees what they expect to see or record only selected details
Does behavior change when the subjects know they are being observed?(form of Hawthorne effect)
“When Dr. Henderson comes in, everybody play dead.”
Collect the dataData Collection Techniques:
Direct observation of behaviour Questionnaire/survey/rating scale Interview Psychological test Recording physiological response Examine archive files (past records)
Types of DataQualitative data
non-numerical data/information Describes details of behaviour Eg: audio or video recordings Case studies
Quantitative data Numerical data Structured around specific behaviours Allows for statistical analysis Eg: Likert scale Closed questions on a survey
Analyse the dataInferential statistics
Make some conclusions about the data collected and relate it back to the general population
Descriptive statistics Percentages Tables graphs
Report findingsSee powerpoint – how to write a report
Always write in the 3rd person
Clear sub-headings for each section of the report
Unethical Psychological ExperimentsNazi Medical
Experiments
Nazi Twin Studies Nuremberg Code International code of ethics Participants must be
voluntary and informed of the risks
Stanley Milgram Experiment
Studied conflict between obedience towards authority and personal conscious Stress to research
subjects Use of deceptionEthical Considerations - Participants rights:
•Confidentiality•Withdrawal rights•Debriefing•Informed consent•Voluntary participation•Parental informed consent•Psychological harm•Deception
Ethics in Animal Research In the regulations an "animal" is any live vertebrate. This
includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Insects and other invertebrates are not "animals".
Animal use includes observation of animals for research or teaching. Examples are wildlife surveys and bringing pets to class to demonstrate behavior.
Approval is based on scientific or educational merit and the benefit to animals or society must outweigh the costs in animal pain and distress.
Top Related