Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a stated issue with observation?
Which of the following is NOT a stated issue with observation?
Which of these would best evaluate the overall trend of results across many scientific studies?
Which of these would best evaluate the overall trend of results across many scientific studies?
Which of these is NOT a factor in dealing with bias and differences in opinion?
Which of these is NOT a factor in dealing with bias and differences in opinion?
What is the most appropriate research method to establish causality between two variables?
What is the most appropriate research method to establish causality between two variables?
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Which of these study designs is MOST at risk from observer bias?
Which of these study designs is MOST at risk from observer bias?
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Study Notes
Methods of Research
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How do we know something?
- Authority: someone tells us
- Intuition: we know it internally
- Observation
Issues with Observation
- Observation may not always be possible
- Observations can be inaccurate
- Observations may change over time
- People may disagree over observed events
Dealing with Observation Unreliability
- Openness: All data should be openly available
- Double-blind experiments: neither subjects nor researchers know who's in which group
- Falsifiable hypotheses: Hypotheses that can be proven wrong
Dealing with Bias and Differing Opinions
- Replication: Similar studies should yield similar conclusions; one study does not prove anything
- Scientific skepticism: Question existing theories; any theory may be proven incorrect
- Peer review: Experts assess the study's methodology, validity, and conclusions
The Scientific Method
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Hypothesis
- Predictions about a specific situation
- Falsifiable: Can be proven incorrect
- Two types of studies:
- Confirmative: Forms hypotheses, then collects data to confirm or contradict.
- Exploratory: Collects data first, then creates hypotheses.
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Operationalize
- Measurable descriptions of psychological properties (e.g., how intelligence is measured)
- Multiple operational definitions are possible, but some are better than others
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Measure
- Instrument: A tool that measures the operational definition
- Three aspects of a good instrument: validation, reliability, and power/sensitivity.
- Valid: Measures the intended quantity correctly.
- Reliable: Produces consistent measurements.
- Power/sensitivity: Able to detect minor differences.
Additional Research Methods
- Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior without participants knowing they're being watched.
- Case Studies: In-depth studies of unique individuals or situations.
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Correlational Studies: Examine relationships between variables.
- Positive correlation: Variables move in the same direction.
- Negative correlation: Variables move in opposite directions.
- No correlation: No discernible connection between variables.
- Correlation does not imply causation. Factors other than the variables could be at play.
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Experiments: Manipulation of an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
- Control groups: Receive no manipulation.
- Experimental group: Receive the manipulation.
- Random assignment: Ensures groups are similar preventing bias.
- Random selection: Choosing participants randomly for the study from a wider population.
Meta-Analysis
- Data from several previous studies is combined to reach a broader conclusion.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of research methods, including how we know what we know, issues with observation, and strategies to deal with bias. This quiz covers the nuances of the scientific method and the importance of replication and peer review in research. Test your understanding of these essential research principles.
