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Research Methods
Psychology 10, UCLA
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Scientific Method | Universal strategy used for gaining explanations or knowledge in an objective and non-biased way. Observation --> theory --> hypothesis --> research/data --> analyze: does data support or refute? --> conclusion |
| Theory | Explanation based on observations |
| Hypothesis | Predication based on the theory |
| Research | Testing of the hypothesis where data is collected |
| Analyze | Processing and explanation of the data, and why it supports or refutes your hypothesis |
| Conclude | Summary of experiment. Did results support or refuse hypothesis? Why or why not? Any possible errors? |
| What makes a good theory? | 1. Falsifiable - able to be proven false 2. If findings support the hypothesis, then confidence in the theory grows |
| What makes a good hypothesis? | 1. Specific 2. Testable |
| Correlational Study | Measures how closely two factors vary together, or how well you can predict a change in one factor from observing a change in the other factor; how strongly one factor's change influences the other's --> positive, negative, or zero correlation |
| Positive (/) Correlation | Both variables either increase or decrease together |
| Negative (\) Correlation | One variable increases when the other decreases |
| Zero (፨) Correlation | One variable is not predictably related to the other |
| Steps in a Correlational Study | Step 1: Formulate a testable hypothesis Step 2: Select the research method and design the study -> correlational --> operationalize variables Step 3 : Collect the data Step 4: Analyze data and draw conclusions |
| Benefits of a Correlational Study | 1. Ethical when experiment may not be 2. Establishes relationships/making predictions 3. Can inspire experiments |
| Limitations of a Correlational Study | 1. Correlation cannot infer causation, only predicts relationships 2. Issues with directionality & potential 3rd variables |
| Experimental Study | Manipulates a variable (IV) under carefully controlled conditions and observes whether any changes occur in a second variable (DV) as a result |
| Independent Variable (IV) | The factor that is varied or manipulated |
| Dependent Variable (DV) | The behavior that is measured and is expected to change as a function of change in the independent variable |
| Steps in an Experimental Study | Step 1: Formulate a testable hypothesis Step 2: Select the research method and design the study -> experimental --> identify and operationalize IV and DV Step 3: Collect the Data Step 4: Analyze the data and draw conclusions Step 5: Report findings |
| Sample | A subset of a population used to represent that population in the experiment |
| Random Assignment | Assigning participants randomly to experimental conditions --> increases the chances that characteristics (e.g., age, gender, IQ) will be equally distributed across the groups |
| Random Sampling | Every person in the population has an equal chance of being selected |
| Convenience Sample | This sample consists of people who are conveniently available for the study |
| Benefits of an Experimental Study | 1. CAN infer causation 2. Precise control over variable can eliminate alternative explanations/3rd variables |
| Limitations of an Experimental Study | 1. May be impractical or unethical to address certain types of research questions using an experimental design 2. Highly controlled lab settings can make generalization of findings to the real world more difficult |
| Placebo Effect | When receiving special treatment or something new affects human behavior, despite no actual treatment or independent variable |
| Experimenter Bias | The experimenter's expectations influence the outcome of a study; experimenters may ‘see’ what we want to ‘see' or behave/treat participants differently Rosenthal & Fode, 1963: "Smart rats vs. Dull Rats” -->rats expected smart = more correct responses |
| Demand Characteristics | Participants form an interpretation of the experiment's purpose and subconsciously change their behavior to fit that interpretation. ->Can be caused by the experimenter’s expectations ->Can be cause by the participant's expectations |
| Are experimenter bias and demand characteristics fatal flaws? | No -> Most of the time results replicated across samples ->Most carefully designed experiments have procedures that reduce the likelihood experimenter bias and demand characteristics (ex: reading from a script, double-blind (or naive experimenter)) |
| Replication | The process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time |
| Converging Operations | A research strategy where a variety of research techniques are used to investigate or converge upon a particular result |
Created by:
PunkSkunk
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