Lecture 2 - Research Methods

Question 1

Which Behaviour Maximizes Longevity?

Answer 1

Strong Social Relationships

Question 2

Psychology Is:

Answer 2

• Data Driven (Empirically Based)
• Scientific
• Multi-Level (Brain, Person, Group)
• Contexual (Psychological Perspectives Continue To Evolve)

Question 3

Hindsight Bias

Answer 3

“I knew it all along syndrome”

Question 4

A theory

Answer 4

Something that explains and organizes lots of different observations and predicts outcomes

Question 5

Scientific Method

Answer 5

1. Question and a Theory
2. Hypothesis, Testable Prediction
3. Test With a Replicable Experiment

Question 6

Naturalistic Observations

Answer 6

Great at describing behaviour, but very limited at explaining it.

Question 7

Sample Bias

Answer 7

Targetibg a specific group of people as a sample instead a generalized group

Question 8

Examples of Research Methods

Answer 8

• Case Studies
• Surveys
• Naturalistic Observation

Question 9

Correlation Vs. Causation

Answer 9

Correlation looks at how one behaviour and trait are related to another. They predict the

Question 10

Experiements

Answer 10

Allow invesigators to isolate different effects by manipulating an independent variable, and keeping other variables constant.

Question 11

Control Group

Question 12

Placebo

Question 13

Dependent Variable

Answer 13

The outcome variable measured by the researcher

Question 14

Independant Variable

Answer 14

The cause or what you change in an experiment. It’s the factor you manipulate to see its effect.

Question 15

The Psych Research Process

Answer 15

1. Forulate Question
2. Generate Hypothesis
3. Gather/Generate Data
4. Analyze Data/ Draw Conclusion
5. Communicate Results/ Take Action

Question 16

Variable

Answer 16

The Event, Condition, or situation that is being studied

Question 17

How To Measure Variables

Answer 17

1. Constructs
   * Abstract Psychological Variables (e.g. aggression)
2. Operational Definitions
   * description of how an abstract psychological variable (construct) can be measured or manipulated
   * behavioural observations

Question 18

Correlational Method (Non-Experimental)

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Strengths of Correlation Method

Answer 19

Provides a measure of how well two variables relate (reveals associations)

Question 20

Limitations of Correlational Method

Answer 20

• Correlation Does Not Equal Causation
• The nature of the relationship between variables can be unclear

Question 21

Experimental Method

Answer 21

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)

Question 22

Considerations In Experiments

Answer 22

• Need high degree of situational control
• Random Assignment (Boosts Generalizability)
  *

Question 23

Strengths of Experimental Method

Answer 23

• Allows Researcher To Test Causality
• Tightly Controlled (To Isolate effect of IV)

Question 24

Limitations of Experimental Method

Answer 24

• Time Consuming and Difficult To Conduct
• Often Not Very Generalizable