Unit 1: Study Guide
Research Methods
The scientific nature of psychology is made clear through coverage of the methods
psychologists use to answer behavioral questions. Emphasis is given to the experimental
method and issues of appropriate experimental sampling and control. We also cover
correlational methods, which include descriptive methods, naturalistic observation, and the
survey. We will also cover elementary descriptive statistics used in analyzing data, such as
measures of central tendency, variability, and correlation. Students also learn how
inferential statistics are used to evaluate the results of the scientific process. Finally, we
examine the many different fields within psychology and about the importance of ethics in
both scientific research and the practice of psychology.
CR2: The course provides instruction in psychological research methods
CR16: The course provides instruction in ethics and research methods used in
psychological science and practice
Text:
Student Resources:
Timeline:
Chapter 1 (pp. 19 – 50)
Flashcards from text
7 days
www.worthpublishers.com/myers8e
An emphasis on
 Experimental method and Experimental sampling and control
 Correlational Methods
 Descriptive methods, Naturalistic Observation, and the Survey
 Elementary Descriptive Statistics used in analyzing data
 Measures of Central Tendency, Variability, and Correlation
 How Inferential Statistics are used to evaluate results of the scientific process
 Importance of Ethics in scientific research and the practice of Psychology
 (6 – 8 % of multiple choice)
Key Terms
Hindsight Bias
Critical Thinking
Theory
Hypothesis
Confirmation Bias
Operational Definition
Case Study
Sampling
Overconfidence Phenomena
Survey
Replication
Belief Perseverance
False Consensus
Population
Random Sample
Scatter Plot
Experiment
Naturalistic Observation SingleBlind Study
Double-Blind Study
Correlation Coefficient
Placebo Effect
Inverse Relationship Standard Deviation
Random Assignment Variance
Mean
Median
Mode
Longitudinal Study
Cross Sectional Study Statistical Significance
Measures of Central Tendency
Range
Confounding (Extraneous) Variable
Measures of Variability
(Negative) Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Direct Relationship (Positive)
Illusory Correlation
Experimental Condition (group)
Control Condition (group)
Key People
Phineas Gage*
___
Jane Goodall
___
Phillip Zimbardo*
___
A. She observed apes naturalistically.
B. My prison experiment was questioned as unethical.
C. A case study of a man with a trauma to the head.
Myers’ Psychology Text Reading Guide Questions
Unit 1: History and Research
Pages 19 – 30
1. Why should we be critical of survey results?
2. What is and is not a proper random sample of a population?
3. Think of two examples of hindsight bias in your life.
4. True or False: Surveys, Case Studies, and Naturalistic Observations are meant to explain
behaviors.
Pages 30 – 46
1. What is a perfect correlation (positive or negative)?
2. Provide an example in which correlation does not provide causation.
3. What is a double-blind procedure and how do placebos and control conditions make it such
an effective experiment?
4. Differentiate mean, median, and mode.
Pages 46 – 50
1. What are some standards of ethics in experimental research?
2. To what degree do you feel we can experiment on humans?
Learning Outcomes
(from the Myers text – Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Psychological Science)
1. Describe hindsight bias, and explain how it can make research findings seem like mere
common sense.
2. Describe how overconfidence contaminates our everyday judgments.
3. Explain how the scientific attitude encourages critical thinking.
4. Describe how psychological theories guide scientific research.
5. Identify an advantage and a disadvantage of using case studies to study behavior.
6. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using surveys to study behavior and mental
processes, and explain the importance of wording effects and random sampling.
7. Identify an advantage and a disadvantage of using naturalistic observation to study
behavior.
8. Describe positive and negative correlations, and explain how correlational measures can
aid the process of prediction.
9. Explain why observational research fails to provide evidence of cause-effect relationships.
10. Describe how people form illusory correlations.
11. Explain the human tendency to perceive order in random sequences.
12. Explain how experiments help researchers isolate cause and effect.
13. Explain why the double-blind procedure and random assignment build confidence in
research findings.
14. Explain the difference between an independent and a dependent variable.
15. Explain the importance of statistical principles, and give an example of their use in
everyday life.
16. Explain how bar graphs can misrepresent data.
17. Describe the three measures of central tendency, and tell which is most affected by
extreme scores.
18. Describe two measures of variation.
19. Identify three principles for making generalizations from samples.
20. Explain how psychologists decide whether differences are meaningful.
21. Explain the value of simplified laboratory conditions in discovering general principles of
behavior.
22. Discuss whether psychological research can be generalized across cultures and genders.
23. Explain why psychologists study animals, and discuss the ethics of experiments with
both animals and humans.
24. Describe how personal values can influence psychologists’ research and its application,
and discuss psychology’s potential to manipulate people.