Research Method
SOSC1960
Introduction to Psychology
Research Methods
1
Scientific basis of psychology
“Data! Data! Data! I can make no bricks without clay!”
~ Sherlock Holmes in The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
2
Scientific vs. Popular Psychology
Expressing anger is a good way of tamping down aggression.
People who talk about suicide are unlikely to actually attempt suicide.
Older people are less happy than younger people. People tend to behave oddly during a full moon.
How do we investigate? Outline
The
scientific method
Research
methods
Research
ethics
4
What is the scientific method?
The approach used by psychologists (and other scientists) to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest
5
Other terms to know
Theory
Hypothesis
Broad explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest
Stemming from a theory, a prediction stated to be tested
Operational definition
Translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observed 6
Scientific Method
1. Identify question of interest
•Behavior and phenomenon requiring explanation
•Prior research findings
• Curiosity, creativity, insight
2. Formulate an explanation stimulating further research • Develop a theory
• Specify a hypothesis to test
3. Carry out research
• Create operational definition(s)
• Select a research method
• Collect and analyze the data
replication
4. Communicate the findings
• Theory supported or rejected
7
Identify a question of interest
Why has violence increased among teenagers in the past few years?
8
Formulate an explanation
Theory (broad explanation):
Children and teenagers (adolescents) tend to imitate the observed actions of other people
Hypothesis (testable prediction):
Increased exposure to
Introduction to Psychology
Research Methods
1
Scientific basis of psychology
“Data! Data! Data! I can make no bricks without clay!”
~ Sherlock Holmes in The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
2
Scientific vs. Popular Psychology
Expressing anger is a good way of tamping down aggression.
People who talk about suicide are unlikely to actually attempt suicide.
Older people are less happy than younger people. People tend to behave oddly during a full moon.
How do we investigate? Outline
The
scientific method
Research
methods
Research
ethics
4
What is the scientific method?
The approach used by psychologists (and other scientists) to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest
5
Other terms to know
Theory
Hypothesis
Broad explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest
Stemming from a theory, a prediction stated to be tested
Operational definition
Translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observed 6
Scientific Method
1. Identify question of interest
•Behavior and phenomenon requiring explanation
•Prior research findings
• Curiosity, creativity, insight
2. Formulate an explanation stimulating further research • Develop a theory
• Specify a hypothesis to test
3. Carry out research
• Create operational definition(s)
• Select a research method
• Collect and analyze the data
replication
4. Communicate the findings
• Theory supported or rejected
7
Identify a question of interest
Why has violence increased among teenagers in the past few years?
8
Formulate an explanation
Theory (broad explanation):
Children and teenagers (adolescents) tend to imitate the observed actions of other people
Hypothesis (testable prediction):
Increased exposure to