Research Methods Organizational PYSCH Flashcards
Review Research Methods
Considerations in Conducting Research( most important thing to have in a experment)
Ideas
▪ Hypotheses - an educated prediction about the answer to
a question
▪ Theories - systematic sets of assumptions regarding the
nature and cause of particular events
What is Science?
Approach that involves the understanding, prediction, and control of some phenomenon of interest.
Literature Reviews( hint handbooks)
Written sources
* Journals
* Handbooks
* Trade magazines
* Magazines
* Internet (word of caution)
Location of the Study
Laboratory research
* Field research
o Issues
* Informed consent
* Institutional review boards
The Experiments that are Used
Experiments
o Quasi-experiments
o Archival research
o Surveys
o Meta-analysis
what is Quasi-experiments
are research designs that resemble experimental research but do not rely on random assignment. Key points about quasi-experiments:
They aim to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable.
Archival research
a type of research that involves using historical documents, records and other sources
Surveys
is a systematic approach to collecting quantitative or qualitative data from a sample of people
Meta-analysis
examination of data from a number of independent studies of the same subject, in order to determine overall trends.
Independent & Dependent Variables
Independent Variable: The factor that you change or manipulate in an experiment.
Dependent Variable: The factor that you measure or observe, which changes due to the independent variable.
Experimental Group/ Control Group
Experimental Group: The group that is exposed to the independent variable.
Control Group: The group that is not exposed to the independent variable, used for comparison.
Experimental Design Example: A researcher thinks that average customer sales per employee will
increase if an employee has received customer-service training
(conducted in September)
Independent variable = customer-service training received
Dependent variable = average customer sales per employee
Average customer sales per employee
Received training in September August /October/ Change
Yes ($3,200) ($4,700) ($1,500)
No ($3,100) ($3,500) ($400)
A researcher thinks that setting goals will increase the number of
orders that are “upsized” at McBurger King
Independent variable = Setting of goals (yes or no)
Dependent variable = Number of upsized orders
Knowledge Check 1 Identify the independent and dependent variables
Are employees in large organizations more likely to miss work than those in small organizations?
- Will taking a practice test increase scores on an employment test?
- Will making “to do” lists decrease the stress of managers?
Quasi-Experiments
Used when experiments are not practical or when manipulating a variable may not be ethical
o A study is a quasi-experiment rather than an experiment when
- The independent variable is not manipulated {or}
- Subjects are not randomly assigned to conditions
o Cannot determine cause-effect relationships
Different ways Surveys are Done
Mail
Personal Interviews
Phone
Email
Internet
Increasing Response Rates( what is good for a Survey to have)
Notifying participants in advance that they will be receiving a survey
o Providing monetary or non-monetary incentives
o Personalizing the survey via an original signature or a cover letter
o Ensuring that survey responses will be anonymous by using identification numbers
o Having a university sponsor the survey
o Distributing the survey in person rather than through the mail
Survey Design
Questions are easy to understand
o Simple language
o Avoid hypothetical situations
o Keep questions relatively short in length
Meta-Analysis, Why is Meta-Analysis better than traditional reviews?
o Statistical method of reaching conclusions based on previous research
Effect Sizes in Meta-Analysis
Two Common effect sizes
Correlation(r)
Difference (d)
what are the the symbol r and p(rho) used for?
In meta-analyses, the symbol r is used to refer to the effect size of the correlation. The symbol p (rho) is the correlation after it has been
corrected for factors that can reduce the size of a correlation and is known as the corrected correlation.
1Q: Where do they come from?
2Q: Does the size of the group matter?
3Q: Does it matter whether participants are students or professionals?
1A: The origin of participants can vary, but in this context, it’s important to consider whether they are students or professionals from the “real world.”
2A: Yes, the size of the group can impact the dynamics of the discussion or project, influencing how participants interact and collaborate.
3A: Yes, it can matter because students may bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, while professionals may offer practical experience and real-world insights. The mix can shape the overall approach and outcomes.
Types of Samples
Random-is a probability sampling technique used to select a subset of individuals from a larger population, ensuring that each member has an equal chance of being chosen
Representative- Representative sampling is a method used to choose components that match key characteristics in the entire population being examined
Non-random: Non-random sampling methods are used to select units from a population using subjective, non-random methods
Sampling Methods
Random sampling: Selecting participants randomly from a larger group, ensuring every individual has an equal chance to be chosen.
Convenience sampling: Choosing participants based on ease of access, not random selection.
Random assignment: Randomly placing participants into different groups in an experiment to ensure unbiased results.
What type of sampling method is being used?
▪ A researcher has the students in class fill out a questionnaire
▪ A researcher gives $6 to people who will participate in their study. As the people arrive, the researcher flips a coin to see if they will be in the experimental or the control condition.
▪ A manager wants to see if a training program will increase performance. The manager selects every third name from the company roster to participate.
Employees with an odd number at the end of their Social Security number are given one training program and those with an even number are given
another.
what you need do before Conducting the study
Consent: asking a person that if they will allow the people that are doing the experiment to do it on them
Collect Data: systematic process of gathering observations or measurements.
Debrief: is a structured conversation that takes place after a significant event or experience.
Data Analyze
Numbers will always be different
o Significance
* Are they different by chance or by something true?
* Probability levels (p < 0.05)
Statistical Relationships
Correlations
* Does not show causation
- Intervening variable: is a hypothetical variable that explains the causal relationship between an independent and dependent variable, affecting both the link between them and potentially being influenced by the independent variable.
The correlation coefficient is a number that shows how strongly two variables are related. It ranges from -1 to 1.
Direction refers to whether the relationship is positive or negative:
Positive: As one variable increases, the other also increases (e.g., more study time, higher grades).
Negative: As one variable increases, the other decreases (e.g., more stress, less sleep).
In short, the correlation coefficient tells you the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.
Picture of Correlation line graph.
Look up Correlation line graph:)
Ethics in Organizational Psychology
Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) – This is a set of guidelines for the ethical conduct of research involving humans in Canada. It’s a key resource for ensuring that research is conducted with respect, integrity, and fairness.
CPA (Canadian Psychological Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) Codes of Ethics – These two codes provide ethical guidelines for psychologists in Canada and the United States, respectively. They cover a wide range of professional behaviors, ensuring that psychologists maintain high standards of practice, confidentiality, and respect for individuals.
Professional Codes of Ethics – These are general ethical guidelines adopted by professional associations (like law, medicine, teaching, etc.). They offer a framework for professionals to navigate their roles and responsibilities with integrity and accountability.
Organizational Codes of Ethics – Companies or institutions might create their own ethical guidelines to govern behavior within the workplace, ensuring that employees’ actions align with the organization’s values.
Ethical dilemmas: Ambiguous situations that require personal judgments of what is right or wrong
