Scientific method is “a method of
discovering knowledge about the natural
world based in making falsifiable
predictions (hypothesis), testing them
empirically, and developing peer-reviewed
theories that best explain the known data”.
 Theory: an organized set of claims and
statements that helps guide our research
 Hypothesis: a specific, testable prediction


Naturalistic observation
› Observing behavior as it naturally occurs

Survey methods
› Use of questionnaires and interviews

Case studies
› Thorough investigation on a single
participant

Experimental method
› Involves manipulation of an independent
variable
Problem/
question
Analyze and
examine the
data
Observation/
research
Collect the data
Formulate a
hypothesis
Design the
study
(include detailed list of
materials)
Communicate
the results
Draw
conclusions
Independent variable: manipulated or
varied by the researcher
 The dependent variable: variable affected
by manipulation (under the control of the
independent variable)
 Control group: serves as the standard of
comparison

› may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter
selected” group

Confounding variable: variables other than
the independent variable that the can
influence the dependent variable