IB Psychology
Unit 1: Research in Psychology
Hermann
Introduction: Psychology uses a number of different research methods in order to achieve a more complete understanding of human behavior. Like any
science, psychology is constantly evolving in search of the “truth” that is never really found. Even when many studies generate evidence supporting a
specific idea, there will invariably be other studies that challenge the findings. This can be hard to tolerate for a student of psychology - especially if you
expect to find hard evidence that cannot be contradicted. On the other hand, the fact that evidence is often contested or inconclusive is one of the interesting
and challenging things about psychology. Thinking critically is part of the psychology course, and if you can tolerate some degree of uncertainty, you will
find that psychology has a lot to offer.
Focus of the unit: Research in psychology relies on the scientific method, including the development of theories and the testing of those theories with
empirical studies.
Reading Assignment: Glassman & Hadad, pgs 2-41; also, other documents/essays as assigned
Part I: What is Psychology?
Key Terms and Concepts:
phrenology
psychology
self-awareness
reactivity
causality
complementarity
functionalism
structuralism
empirical Studies
theory
hypothesis
hypothetical constructs
operational definition
self-efficacy
mindset
Learning Outcomes
1. Define psychology
2. Outline the origins of modern psychology
3. Describe psychology as a scientific discipline
4. Outline how psychological knowledge is generated
5. Explain what is understood by a theoretical explanation and an empirical investigation
6. Describe the “levels of analysis”
7. Explain what is understood by critical thinking and give examples
Part II: Understanding the Research Process
Key Terms and Concepts
generalizability
validity
reliability
debriefing
survey
target population
sample
representative sample
sampling bias
Learning Outcomes
1. Define the aim and target population of a study
2. Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to research
3. Discuss ethical considerations when carrying out research
4. Explain the concept of generalizability
5. Explain the concepts of validity and reliability
6. Explain what is meant by an application of findings
Part III: Research in Psychology: Experimental Methods
Key Terms and Concepts:
experiment
quasi-experiment
independent variable
correlation (positive and negative)
dependent variable
field experiment
confounding variable
variable
hypothesis
laboratory experiment
natural experiment
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the purpose of a null and experimental hypothesis
2. State the independent and dependent variables in an experiment
3. State operational definitions of variables
4. Explain confounding variables and how they may be controlled
5. Discuss the strengths and limitations of the experimental method
Part IV: Non- Experimental Methods: Qualitative Research
Key Terms and Concepts:
qualitative research
representative sample
non-experimental methods
interview
inductive approach
case study
deductive approach
correlation coefficient
illusory correlation
quantitative research
naturalistic observation
Learning Objectives
1. Outline and evaluate non-experimental methods of research including interviews, case studies, and naturalistic observation.
2. Discuss introspection and public observations as well as their rolls in research
3. Outline important differences between experimental and non-experimental methods
4. Explain ethical issues related to interviews, observations, and case studies.
Assessment: Multiple choice quiz, written exam, classroom activities, and definition of key terms and concepts