Unit 2 Learning Targets
Research Methods
Targets:
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Explore the various methods of conducting psychological research including case
studies, surveys, experiments, and naturalistic observations.
Discuss pros and cons of each research method.
Analyze the elements of an experiment and solve word problems.
Discuss ADHD and the nature of the controversy surrounding it.
Case Study:
Patty O’ Furniture is a sales woman for Levin Furniture Company. She is thirty-two and has
three children. Patty has had difficulty maintaining employment because she becomes easily
distracted. She has been warned several times at her current job to stay focused, but despite
her best efforts she struggles. Her doctor prescribed her medication, but unfortunately some of
the side effects makes her feel like a “couch potato”. Patty also had difficulties in maintaining
her grades when she was in school. Patty would like to keep her job because she really has a
gift for selling furniture. What disorder does she have?
Your Answer:
Assignment:
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Read page 27 together in class. (attached)
Examine ADHD checklist
Read brief article on ADHD study and answer questions (On back of article)
Take survey
Questions:
1.
What is the main point or topic of this article? Summarize in 20 words.
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ _________ ________
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
________
2. How large was the group of children studied in this particular case? Was this an
adequate number of children studied to truly reflect their suggested findings in your
opinion? Why or why not?
3. You are the parent of a child with ADHD. Your family doctor would like to start your
child on Ritalin. Write a 5 sentence response to the doctor that either supports or rejects
his suggestion citing three reasons for your position.