Lecture 2 - Research Methods Flashcards
Which Behaviour Maximizes Longevity?
Strong Social Relationships
Psychology Is:
- Data Driven (Empirically Based)
- Scientific
- Multi-Level (Brain, Person, Group)
- Contexual (Psychological Perspectives Continue To Evolve)
Hindsight Bias
“I knew it all along syndrome”
A theory
Something that explains and organizes lots of different observations and predicts outcomes
Scientific Method
- Question and a Theory
- Hypothesis, Testable Prediction
- Test With a Replicable Experiment
Naturalistic Observations
Great at describing behaviour, but very limited at explaining it.
Sample Bias
Targetibg a specific group of people as a sample instead a generalized group
Examples of Research Methods
- Case Studies
- Surveys
- Naturalistic Observation
Correlation Vs. Causation
Correlation looks at how one behaviour and trait are related to another. They predict the
Experiements
Allow invesigators to isolate different effects by manipulating an independent variable, and keeping other variables constant.
Control Group
Placebo
Dependent Variable
The outcome variable measured by the researcher
Independant Variable
The cause or what you change in an experiment. It’s the factor you manipulate to see its effect.
The Psych Research Process
- Forulate Question
- Generate Hypothesis
- Gather/Generate Data
- Analyze Data/ Draw Conclusion
- Communicate Results/ Take Action
Variable
The Event, Condition, or situation that is being studied
How To Measure Variables
- Constructs
* Abstract Psychological Variables (e.g. aggression) - Operational Definitions
* description of how an abstract psychological variable (construct) can be measured or manipulated
* behavioural observations
Correlational Method (Non-Experimental)
Systemically Measure 2 or more variables and assess the degree of relation between them
Key Words: Associates, Links, Relationship, Correlated, Predicts
Correlation Coefficient: A measure of association between two variables (i.e. this is a number)
- Positive Correlation:
- Negative Correlation:
- No Correlation:
- Heavy Use of Surveys, Captures Views of Large Groups Using External Validity
Strengths of Correlation Method
Provides a measure of how well two variables relate (reveals associations)
Limitations of Correlational Method
- Correlation Does Not Equal Causation
- The nature of the relationship between variables can be unclear
Experimental Method
Considered the “gold standard” in most lab-based psychological research
* This method enables researchers to better determine causality
Keywords: Causes, Leads To, Creates, Makes, Increases
Has Independent Variables (IV) and Dependent Variables (DV).
Extraneous Variables: Variables Other Than IV that could influence DV
Dealing With Extraneous Variables:
- Hold Extraneous Variables Constant (e.g. Using Only Male Participants In Experiment)
- Use Random Assignment (Everyone has an equal chance of being assigned)
Confounding Variables (Confounds): Occurs when the value of an extraneous variable changes/varies systematically across the conditions of the experiment (changes along with the IV)
Considerations In Experiments
- Need high degree of situational control
- Random Assignment (Boosts Generalizability)
*
Strengths of Experimental Method
- Allows Researcher To Test Causality
- Tightly Controlled (To Isolate effect of IV)
Limitations of Experimental Method
- Time Consuming and Difficult To Conduct
- Often Not Very Generalizable
