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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I. April 7, 2003 Chapter 2 – Introduction to the Methods of Science. The Research Cycle. Research begins with naturalistic observation . Observe and describe what occurs. What are the relationships among observed variables? Correlational studies .

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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

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  1. BHS 204-01Methods in Behavioral Sciences I April 7, 2003 Chapter 2 – Introduction to the Methods of Science

  2. The Research Cycle • Research begins with naturalistic observation. • Observe and describe what occurs. • What are the relationships among observed variables? • Correlational studies. • What are the causes and effects? • Interact directly with variables – manipulate them in experiments that make predictions.

  3. Additional Methods • Modeling – developing a mathematical or conceptual description of behavior. • Test the model by comparing its performance to observed behavior. • Qualitative methods – emphasize the subjective experience of the participant. • Interviews, survey research, participant observation – BHS 205.

  4. Definitions of Terms • Hypothesis – the idea being tested in a particular experiment. • Expressed in terms of the manipulation. • Derived from theory (which is general). • Experimental group – the group that receives the treatment. • Control group – a group that is treated similarly in all respects but gets no treatment.

  5. More Definitions • Independent & dependent variables (see last week’s lecture). • Treatment effect – the difference in the size of the dependent variable when comparing the treatment and control groups. • Confounding variables (“confounds”) – unintended independent variables that also change the dependent variable. • Alternative explanations for the results.

  6. Exploratory Research • Hypothesis testing is best used when something is known about a phenomenon. • Exploratory research is used when less is known. • Used when effects of the independent variables cannot be predicted. • Can involve manipulations and control groups, or not.

  7. Validity • Are our statements about a phenomenon true and capable of being supported? • Internal validity – can we draw the conclusion we wish from our study or might something else explain the results? • Internal consistency and logic of the experiment. • External validity – can we apply the results of a particular experiment to the world at large? • Generalizability of the experiment.

  8. Logic of Experimentation • Two forms of logic: • Deduction – moving from general principles to specific conclusions. • Induction – moving from specific observations to general principles. • Induction is used during naturalistic and exploratory research. • Deduction is used during experiments.

  9. Propositional Logic • Modus Ponens (confirmatory) • If p then q • Observe p • Conclude q • Modus Tollens (disconfirmatory) • If p then q • Observe not-q • Conclude not-p

  10. Logical Fallacies • Affirming the consequent • If p then q • Observe q • Conclude p • Denying the antecedent • If p then q • Observe not-p • Conclude not-q

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