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Psychology. Introduction & Research. Scientific Method. Orderly, systematic procedures researchers follow identify a research problem, design a study to investigate the problem, collect & analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings
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Psychology Introduction & Research
Scientific Method • Orderly, systematic procedures researchers follow • identify a research problem, design a study to investigate the problem, collect & analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings • Best method for acquiring knowledge because information is least compromised by biases, preconceptions, personal beliefs, and emotions
Theory vs. Hypothesis Theory Hypothesis • A THEORY explains how facts are related • It is developed from an HYPOTHESIS • It has been tested & researched • An HYPOTHESIS is a prediction about a relationship or an educated guess to explain some observable phenomenon • Scientists test an HYPOTHESIS to see if it is really true & it might become a THEORY
Descriptive Research Methods • Goal of psychology is to DESCRIBE • These yield descriptions of behavior—NOT explanations or the causes of the behavior
Experimental Methods • What are the causes? • Goal of psychology is to EXPLAIN • Independent & dependent variables • Cause & effect relationship • Control groups • Bias • Placebo
Other Research Methods • Goal is to EXPLAIN • Used when you cannot apply the EXPERIMENTAL method
Reliability vs. Validity Reliability Validity • Ability of a test to yield nearly the same scores when the same people are tested and then retested using the same test or an alternate form of the test • You can count on the results being about the same each time you give the test: consistency • The ability of a test to measure what it is intended to measure • Is the test really measuring what you want it to?
Psychological Research • Must be voluntary & give informed consent • APA says deception is “OK” if (1) if it is justified; (2) not deceived about physical risks; and (3) participants are debriefed