Getting an Experimental Idea

Psych 231: Research Methods in Psychology

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make sure it works for you Syllabus, quizzes, lab schedule, & lectures The Grade book is still under construction

Exercise: How do we know?

Write down two things that you “know”. Write down HOW you “know” those things.

Methods of Inquiry

Objective Subjective

Analysis

Acceptance

Empiricism (Experience)

Authority

Instruction

Regulation (rules & laws)

Rationalism (Logical reasoning)

Persuasion

Tenacity

Faith

Intuition

Type of knowledgeW

ays

of k

now

ing

having existence outside of a person’s mind (“real”)

existing in a person’s mind

Scientific Method

Our focus

Methods of Inquiry

The scientific method A method used to test and analyze

claims about behavior Uses systematic observation and

experimentation A 6 step process (your textbook lists 5 steps)

Scientific Method

Step 1: Observation Pay attention to the world around you, look for generalizations

write down two generalizations that you have observed about people’s behavior

Two classes of generalizations• Descriptive generalizations – just describe how it is/what was seen,

without making predictions• Cause and effect generalizations – makes predictions about the

observed relationship between two (or more) things.

Scientific Method

Step 2: Develop a theory or hypothesis Identify the variables associated with your

observations

Variables The characteristics of the behavior and the surrounding context

An explanation for the observed behavior(s)• How are the variables related to one another?

• May be based on past research, common sense, intuition, logic, etc.

Scientific Method

Step 3: Generate a testable prediction Need to specify how your hypothesis can be tested.

• The relevant variables must be defined and observable.

Falsification is at the heart of the scientific method• Scientists don’t try to prove a theory, but rather set out to

refute (“disprove”) theories • Refutable hypotheses - must be stated in a way that allows

the potential for it to be wrong

Scientific Method

Step 4: Make systematic observations Observational and experimental methods

• Which variables will we examine?• How do we measure these variables?• Which variables can we systematically manipulate?• What variables need to be controlled?• Were (from whom) will we collect the observations?

Scientific Method

Step 5: Evaluate your evidence Refutes theory Supports theory (not “proves the theory”) Leads to the revision of the theory Consider alternative theories

• There are always alternative explanations

Scientific Method

Step 6: Repeat

observations

hypotheses

predictions

systematicobservations

newhypotheses

predictions

systematicobservations

newhypotheses

Getting ideas for research

Where do research ideas come from? Classic barriers

& mistakes

Where do ideas come from?

Research is often driven by curiosity. We typically study things that interest us.

Continuum of the development of research ideasInformal Formal

“This is interesting. I’d like to know more.”

“The theory says X. Let’s test the theory.”

“We’ve got a problem to solve.”

“We understand some things, but there are still questions.”

Where do ideas come from?

Observation

• Direct observation - things that you observe: includes public observation, self observation, observing children, observing animals

• Vicarious observation - what somebody else has observed and reported

Where do ideas come from?

Observation Common Sense - things that we all think are

true• “Opposites attract”

• But note: a lot of our common sense is contradictory

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder• Long distance affairs never last

Where do ideas come from?

Observation Common Sense Past research – find out what research has

already been done and ask yourself “what don’t we know still”

• Follow-up studies, expanding the past research in more detail or new directions• Improvements on past research studies, maybe you think the past research had some serious flaws or limitations

Where do ideas come from?

Observation Common Sense Past research Identify a problem – perhaps there is an

important problem or issue that needs a (or some) solution(s).• WWII - why did airplanes keep crashing?

• Led to development early cognitive theories of attention

Where do ideas come from?

Ask the Experts Putting your trust in somebody else who knows

the research field and the issues that need answers

Observation Common Sense Past research Identify a problem

Classic barriers & mistakes

YouGreat ideas

Classic barriers & mistakes

I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done

this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. It’s too simple, something must be wrong. The idea will take too much work.

Do consider the practicality of the work load, but don’t be afraid of hard work.

Classic barriers & mistakes cont.

Not interested. Don’t procrastinate and take your time

Glued to your first idea. Be flexible, adjust your idea as you learn more

Can’t find any literature to review.

Our goal is that you come away from this course with the knowledge and ability to see past these pitfalls.

Next time

Evaluating your ideas & Reviewing the Literature

Chapter 2

Reminder: Blackboard Quiz #1 due @ noon on Monday: covers Chapters 1 & 2