psychological research methods and statistics. what is research? samples- relatively small group...
Post on 14-Jan-2016
213 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS
What is research?
Samples- relatively small group out of a whole population under study Must be representative of the population in
question Random sample- each individual has an
equal chance of being represented Stratified sample- deliberately pick
individuals who represent the various subgroups
Methods of Research
Naturalistic Observation Observe behavior in natural environment Avoid disturbing and stay inconspicuous
Case Studies Most are long-term observations with diaries, tests, and
interviews Very powerful research tool, but cannot prove or disprove
Surveys Most practical way to gather data on attitudes, beliefs, and
experiences of large numbers of people Can include questionnaires, interviews
Methods of Research
Longitudinal Studies Studies same group of people at regular interviews over a
period of years
Cross-Sectional Studies Randomly selected groups organized on basis of age Less expensive and time consuming than longitudinal
studies
Correlations and Explanation Want to examine relationship between two sets of
observations and how they relate Does not mean cause and effect
Experiments
Enables investigator to control the situation and decrease possible influences
Has hypothesis, variables, experimental group, control group
Can determine if independent variable influences behavior and how it does so
Final results do not constitute the final word on the subject Experiment must be replicated
Ethical Issues
Ethics- methods of conduct, or standards, for proper and responsible behavior
Psychologists are responsible for dignity and welfare of participants
Must obey all state and federal laws and professional standards
Rights must be agreed on for researchers and participants before starting
Ethical Issues
When obtaining consent, everyone must be fully informed
Deception is used only if no better alternative is available, must not interfere with willingness to participate
The welfare and confidentiality of all participants are to be protected
Problems and Solutions in Research Self-fulfilling prophecy- having
expectations about a behavior and then acting in some way to carry out that behavior Single-blind or double-blind techniques
used to avoid
Single-blind experiment- participants are “blind” about treatment given
Double-blind- both researchers and participants are “blind” about the treatment given
The Milgram Experiment
1960s Stanley Milgram Would participants administer painful
shocks to others because an authority figure’s instruction?
2,000 paid male volunteers “Learners” recited a memorized list Every mistake required volunteer to
deliver an electronic shock Each shock would increase in voltage
The Milgram Experiment
“Learners” pretended to be shocked, volunteers thought it was real
Although it seemed hard, 62% of volunteers delivered a full range of shock up to maximum voltage
Later, volunteers were told that no actual shocking took place
Was this single-blind or double-blind? Was this ethical?
The Placebo Effect
Placebo effect- a change in a participant's illness or behavior that results from a belief that the treatment will have an effect, rather than the actual treatment
1961 study-Experimental groups given “new drug”, control group given no drugs at all
After 6 weeks, 53-80% of experimental group noticed benefits
No group was given actual drugs during study
top related