Research Methods in
Psychology
Introduction
Psychologists use many different methods
for conducting research. Each method has
advantages and disadvantages that make
it suitable for certain situations and
unsuitable for others.
Applied V. Basic Research
Applied Research has clear, practical Basic Research
applications. explores questions
that you may be
YOU CAN USE IT!!!
curious about, but not
intended to be
immediately used.
Terminology
Hypothesis
Expresses a relationship between two
variables.
A variable is anything that can vary among
participants in a study.
Participating in class leads to better grades
than not participating.
Independent Variable
Whatever is being
manipulated in
the experiment.
Hopefully the
independent If there is a drug in an
variable brings experiment, the drug is
about change. almost always the
independent variable.
Dependent Variable
Whatever is being
measured in the
experiment.
The dependent It is dependent on
variable would be the independent
the effect of the variable
drug.
Operational Definitions
Explain what you mean in Let’s say your hypothesis is
your hypothesis. that chocolate causes
How will the variables be violent behavior.
measured in “real life” What do you mean by
terms. chocolate?
How you operationalize the What do you mean by
variables will tell us if the violent behavior?
study is valid and reliable.
Research Methods
Descriptive
Correlational
Experimental.
Experimental Design
Investigate cause and effect relationship In the experimental method,
Experimental design refers to how researchers identify and define key
participants are allocated to the different variables, formulate a hypothesis,
conditions (or IV levels) in an experiment. manipulate the variables and
Divide the participants into two groups, collect data on the results.
the experimental group, and the control
group
Extraneous variables are carefully
controlled to minimize a potential
introduce a change to the experimental
group and not the control group.
impact on the outcome of the
experiment.
Categories of Experimental Design
Independent measures / between groups: Different participants are used in
each condition of the independent variable.
2. Repeated measures /within groups: The same participants take part in each
condition of the independent variable.
3. Matched pairs: Each condition uses different participants, but they are
matched in terms of important characteristics, e.g., gender, age, intelligence, etc.
Descriptive methods
Descriptive research methods are pretty much as they sound —
they describe situations.
They do not make accurate predictions, and they do not
determine cause and effect.
There are three main types of descriptive methods:
observational methods, case-study methods and survey method
Description of types
With the observational method (sometimes referred to as
field observation) animal and human behavior is closely
observed. There are two main categories of the observational
method — naturalistic observation and laboratory
observation.
The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research
is that researchers view participants in their natural
environments.
Conti….
In survey method research, participants
answer questions administered through
interviews or questionnaires. After
participants answer the questions, researchers
describe the responses given. In order for the
survey to be both reliable and valid it is
important that the questions are constructed
properly. Questions should be written so they
are clear and easy to comprehend.
Case Study
A detailed or in-depth investigations of a single person, group, event or community.
Data are gathered from a variety of sources and by using several different methods
(observations, clinical reports, interviews)
The research may also continue for an extended period of time, so processes and developments
can be studied as they happen.
The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual's past (i.e.
retrospective), as well as to significant events which are currently occurring in his or
her everyday life.
Strength & Limitations of case study
Provides detailed (rich qualitative) Can’t generalize the results to the
information. wider population.
Provides insight for further research. Researchers' own subjective feeling
may influence the case study
(researcher bias).
Time consuming.
Correlation Method
Can be used as first step before an experiment Two types :
begins. naturalistic observation, survey method,
can also be used before experiment carried.
Determine relationship if exist between two or
more variables.
If so what degree the relationship occurs.
*Naturalistic Observation
Observing and recording variables in a natural
environment without interfering.
*Survey Method
Gathering information via surveys or
questionnaires by choosing a random sample of
participants
Categories of correlation
•Positive Correlation: when two variables go in the SAME
direction. For example, more you study good grades you get. If two
variables (like studying and grades) have a correlation above zero (like
+.76) then you have a positive correlation
•Negative Correlation: here the two variables go in DIFFERENT
directions. For example, age of tadpole and length of tail. The number is
below zero (like -.42) then you have a negative correlation and when one
variable goes up the other goes down
The Science of Psych
Scientific Method consists of 6 carefully planned
steps
1. Identify question and literature review
2. Develop a testable hypothesis
3. Select a research method and collect data
4. Analyze the data and accept or reject the
hypothesis
5. Publish, replicate and seek scientific review
6. Build a theory
Ethical Guidelines when experimenting
1. Human participants informed consent, voluntary
participation, debriefing, confidentiality, and use of students as
subjects
#1 is the most rigorous guideline because it deals with the rights of
people being studied
2. Animal Rights cruelty to animals
3. Clients in therapy confidentiality
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