Psychology Scientific Methods
What are the three key elements of the scientific method?
Psychologists use the scientific method to construct theories that organize, summarize, and simplify observations. Key elements are: Theory is an explanation that allows integrating principles of observed behavior and events in order to organize and predict them. For example, low self-esteem contributes to depression. Hypothesis is a testable prediction called to accept, reject or revise the theory. For example, people with low self-esteem are apt to feel more depressed. Research and observation that include the Case Study, Survey, Wording Effects, Random Sampling, and Naturalistic Observation. For example, research would require us to administer tests of self-esteem and depression. Individuals who score low on a self-esteem test and high on a depression test would confirm our hypothesis.
What are naturalistic observations and case study research, and why and how are they conducted?
Naturalistic Observation is observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation; Adjusting of self-reported attitudes, opinions or behaviors of people usually done by questioning a representative, random sample of people. Observing and recording the behavior of animals in the wild and recording self-seating patterns in a multiracial school lunchroom constitute naturalistic observation. Case Study is a technique in which one person is studied in depth to reveal underlying behavioral principles. Suggest directions for further study: a) Show us what can happen (defines research variables); b) Individual cases may mislead us because they are atypical, therefore, they require replication and repeating.
Conclusion: Case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observation describe behaviors.
What is a survey, and why is random selection important in survey research?
Survey is a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reporting attitudes of behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the population. Random Sample is a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion (unbiased). If the survey sample is biased, its results are not valid. For example, the fastest way to know about the marble color ratio is to blindly transfer a few into a smaller jar and count them. Discuss the difference between a correlation and an experiment.When one trait or behavior accompanies another, we say the two correlate.
Correlation Coefficient is a statistical measure of the relationship between two variables ranging from -1 to +1 ( closer to 100 is more alike): Positive Correlation- (0 and +1) direct relationship; two things increase and decrease together; Negative Correlation- (0 and -1) indicates an inverse relationship, one thing increases the other decreases; Zero Correlation- (around 0) weak relationship; little or no relationship. Illusory correlation is a perception of a relationship where none exists. For example, the attitude of a parent to their adopted child. The experiment is a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of …
