Chapter 2 Flashcards
Scientific method
observe, hypothesize, test, conclusion, evaluate
correlational research
Identify Relationships
- correlation coefficient: r
—1.00 ≤ r ≤ 1.00
- strength of relationship: magnitude
- direction of relationship:
- Positive (+) or Negative (-)
Descriptive research
Describing a Phenomenon
– observation
– case studies
– surveys and interviews
experimental research
Determine Causation
– random assignment to groups
Experimental Group
– hypothesized cause is manipulated = Independent Variable
- Control Group = treated equally, except no manipulation
Observe / Measure any Effect
– difference between groups = Dependent Variable
Research samples
- Population – Entire group about whom conclusion is to be drawn
- Sample – Portion of population
actually observed - Random Sample – Each individual in
the population has an equal chance of being selected.
research settings
“Artificial” World – Laboratory Setting
– controlled setting
“Real” World - Natural Setting
– naturalistic observation
descriptive statistics
describe/summarize
inferential statistics
draw conclusions
Research challenges that involve ethics.
- Research participants have rights!
- APA Guidelines
– informed consent
– confidentiality
– debriefing
– deception - Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The need to think critically about psychological research
- Avoid overgeneralizing results.
– Exercise caution in applying group
trends to individual experience.
– Question causal inferences.
– Look for converging evidence.
– Consider the source.
Scientific studies on health and wellness and their findings
Case with zoe talked abt in class
Example: Does time spent on social media increase happiness?
Possible Research Methods:
– observation
– case studies
– survey and interview
– correlational research
– experimental research
