Psychologyand

Scientific Research

Experimental Science

• Definition: inquiry in seeking facts and the search for truth through testing of theories and facts

• Psychology is considered an “experimental science”

Not This!

Scientific Method

• Contains Five Steps

1. Forming of a Question2. Forming of a Hypothesis3. Testing of the Hypothesis4. Analyzing Results5. Draw Conclusions

Step 1: Forming a Question

• Start research by forming a question about:– A daily experience– A psychological theory– Common Knowledge– Folklore (myths, traditions, legends)

Step 2: Forming a Hypothesis• Develop an “educated guess” • Use “If” and “Then” format– If too much homework is given, then

students will become stressed.

Identify Variables:

- Dependent Variable the factor which is being measured that reflects change

- Independent Variable the factor that is manipulated by the researcher that causes change

Example:- Independent time spent studying for a test- Dependent the grade earned

Let’s Try It! Get Ready to Catch!

Determine Groups:

- Control Group the participants who do NOT receive treatment in a study

- Experimental Group the participants who receive treatment in a study

In an experiment about student’s studying & grades earned:- Some students are assigned to study (Experimental

Group)- Others students are assigned NOT to study (Control

Group)

Locate & Assign Subjects:• Population group of people from which

samples for research will be drawn

• Sample set of subjects drawn from a particular population• Single Blind: subjects DO NOT know of their

assignment• Double Blind: subject & experimenter both DO

NOT know of their assignments• Randomization: subjects assigned through

random or choice procedure

Give It A Try and Apply!

1. Receive Handout 1A “Research Methods”2. Identify the Independent and Dependent

Variables3. State the “Hypothesis” being tested

Step 3: Test the Hypothesis

– Testing Method: various tests are given to measure human behavior (ability, interests, IQ, personality)

– Survey Method: people respond to a series of questions about a particular subject

– Case-Study Method: conduct in-depth investigation of individuals or small groups

• Choose a Research Method, Then Gather Information!

Step 3: Test Hypothesis– Longitudinal Method: participants are

observed at intervals over an extended period of time

– Cross-Section Method: researchers compare similarities and differences among people in different age groups at a specific time

– Naturalistic Method: researchers observe participants in their natural settings

– Laboratory Method: participants are observed in a lab setting

Give It A Try and Apply!

1. Receive Handout: “Name That Research Method”

2. Read each of the 6 examples.3. Match each example with the correct

Research Method

Step 4: Analyze the Results

• Discover what the results mean.• Look for patterns, relationships, and

correlations

– Correlation: measurement of the relationship between two variables– Stronger the correlation the more closely

the two variables are related

• Positive Correlation: – as one variable increases so does the other– as one variable decreases so does the other

• Negative Correlation:– as one variable increases the other deceases

• Causation:– The action that produces an effect

– Ex: One variable causes the other to occur

Give It A Try and Apply!

1. Receive Handout: “Mean, Median, & Mode”2. Complete the Worksheet

1. Receive Handout: “Types of Correlations”2. Read the 10 statements and determine the

relationship.

Step 5: Draw Conclusions

• State whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect– May need to adjust hypothesis– May need to conduct further research

• Report findings in psychological journals- Goal: distribute information and allow

for professional critique

Give It A Try and Apply!

1. Receive Handout: “How Do Psychologists Interpret Data”

2. Complete the Worksheet