How Psychologists Do
Research
Deck
2013
Research Methods Used in
Psych
1. Case Study
2. Naturalistic Observation
3. Laboratory Observation
4. Test
5. Survey
6. Coorelational Study
7. Experiment
1.Case Study
• A case study is an intensive study of a person or
group. Most case studies combine long-term
observations with diaries, tests, and interviews.
• By itself, however, a case study does not prove or
disprove anything. The results can not be
generalized to anyone else.
• They provide a wealth of descriptive material
that may generate new hypotheses that
researchers can then test under controlled
conditions.
Remember David Reimer?!
2. Naturalistic Observation
• Researchers need to know how
people and animals behave
naturally, when they are not
conscious of being observed during
an experiment.
•
To obtain such information, a
psychologist uses naturalistic
observation.
• The cardinal rule of naturalistic
observation is to avoid disturbing
the people or animals you are
studying by concealing yourself or
by acting as inconspicuous as
possible.
3.Laboratory Observation
• Form of observational study
• Sometimes psychologists prefer to
make observations in a laboratory
setting.
• Why do psychologists often observe
people’s behavior in laboratories
instead of in everyday situations?
• Psychologists have more control in this
situation
• Use of sophisticated equipment
Examples…
• Psychologists using laboratory observation have gathered
valuable information about brain and muscle activity
during sleep.
• Psychologists using naturalistic observation have studied
how people in crowded places modify their gaze and
body position to preserve a sense of privacy.
4.Tests
• Psychological tests are procedures for evaluating
personality traits, emotional states, aptitudes,
interests, abilities and values.
• Hundreds of psychological tests are used in
industry, education, the military and the helping
professions
• Many tests are also used in research studies
• http://www.healthyplace.com/psychologicaltests/
5. Survey
• One of the most practical ways to gather data on the
attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of a large numbers of
people is through surveys.
•
A survey may consist of interviews, questionnaires, or a
combination of the two. Interviews allow the researcher
to observe the participant and modify questions if the
participant seems confused by them.
Survey Continued…
• On the other hand questionnaires take less time
to administer and the results are more uniform
because everyone answers the same questions.
• Questionnaires also reduce the possibility that
the researcher will influence the participant by
unconsciously frowning at an answer he or she
does not like. In interviews, there is always the
danger that participants will give misleading
answers in order to help themselves gain
approval.
6. Correlational Study
• A descriptive study that looks for a consistent
relationship between two phenomena.
• Correlation: a measure of how strongly two
variables are related to one another.
• All experiments have an outcome, usually the
outcome is shown using a graph to determine a
correlation.
..\PSYC-Videos\Correlation and Causation
[www.keepvid.com].mp4
Negative
correlation
Hours spent
studying
Days absent from psych
class
No correlation
Final grade in psych
course
Final grade in psych
course
Final grade in psych
Positive
correlation
Minutes spent brushing
teeth
Practice: Positive/Negative
1. The higher a male monkey’s level of the
hormone testosterone, the more aggressive he is
likely to be.
2. The older people are, the less frequently they
tend to have sexual intercourse.
3. The hotter the weather, the more crimes against
persons (such as muggings) tend to occur.
Answers:
• 1. Positive
• 2. Negative
• 3. Positive
7. Experiment
• A controlled test of a hypothesis in which the
researcher manipulates one variable to discover its
effect on another.
• List famous psychological experiments:
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.
• 4.
Remember Experimental
Design
• Scientific Method: Using a consistent method like the
scientific method we can ensure truth and validity in our
research findings.
• 5 Steps
• Placebo: an inactive substance or fake treatment used as a
control in an experiment or given by a medical practitioner
to a patient.
• Key Terms: Theory, hypothesis, variables (independent &
dependent), single blind/double blind, etc.
• SEE HANDOUTS
Assignment
1) In a chart - list and describe the advantages and
disadvantages associated with each method of
research (7).
Research
Method
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages