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Research Methods. PSYC 1120 Human Development. Steps in the method. Identify and Define the Problem Formulate Hypotheses Select Methodology Collect and Analyze Data Draw Conclusions relevant to Hypothesis Report Results Expand to Future Studies. Formulating Hypotheses.
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Research Methods PSYC 1120 Human Development
Steps in the method • Identify and Define the Problem • Formulate Hypotheses • Select Methodology • Collect and Analyze Data • Draw Conclusions relevant to Hypothesis • Report Results • Expand to Future Studies
Formulating Hypotheses • Hypothesis = statement of the relationship presumed to exist between dependent and independent variables. • Cause and Effect implications • Must be testable; dependent variable must be measurable.
Selecting Participants • Who has the data you need?Who is your population? • How can you find out what you need to know?Draw a sample from the population
Common Methodologies • Surveys • Interviews • Questionnaires • Observations • Participant • Unobtrusive • Simulated • Case studies • Experimental Studies
Approaches to developmental studies • Cross- sectional studiesstudy several age groups simultaneously • Longitudinal studiesstudy the same subjects over a period of time • Sequential studies
Correlation vs. Causation • Correlation – two events or variables appear to be related to one another • Causation – one event or variable can be shown to “cause” the other to happen • can be established only through experimental studies.
Design of Experiment Pretest Post-test Controlgroup Experimental Group Apply IV
Ethical Issues • Do not deceive, coerce or harm the subjects • Collect data using ethical procedures • Protect confidentiality of subjects • Report results accurately