Unit 2

1. Unit 2 Module 5 Scientific Method

2. Basic vs Applied Research • Basic • Aim to answer scientific questions • Expand information • Applied • Takes research and uses it to influence behavior and solve problems

3. Theory • A summary of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events • “ah ha”

4. Hypothesis • Testable prediction • Prove the theory

5. 3 Ways to Test a Hypothesis • Descriptive – observation and measurement • Case studies • Surveys • Naturalistic observation • Correlation Studies • Variables – make predictions • Experimental • Designed to explain cause and effect

6. Population vs Sample • Population – all members of a group being studied • Sample – small subset of individuals to represent the population • Random • Stratified

7. Case Studies • In-depth examination of a single research participant or group • Obtain detailed knowledge – used in rare and unusual cases • Danger - inaccurate

8. Surveys • Uses questionnaires or interviews to assess the behavior, attitudes, and opinions of a large number of people • Use sample • Danger – social desirability bias (happier and healthier)

9. Naturalistic Observation • Unobtrusively observe the behavior of subjects as it occurs in a real social setting • Use as descriptive and does not explain behavior

10. Meta-analysis • A statistical procedure that combines conclusions of a large number of different studies • Bottom-line results of a lot of studies