Psychology Chapter: Scientific Method Insights

Psychology is an Empirical Science

• Psychology’s scientific method involves observing and measuring phenomena to find out when, why, and what happens.
• Research helps generate theories, hypotheses, and determine causal relationships.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• Identify or observe a problem
• Gather information
• Generate a hypothesis
• Design and conduct experiments
• Analyze data and formulate conclusions
• Restart the process

Debunking a Bad Theory: Phrenology

• Phrenology was a popular, but unscientific, study of the human brain that linked bumps on the skull to personality traits. The method has been debunked, yet we can still learn from its mistakes.

Hypotheses

• A testable hypothesis proposes claims that can be investigated through experimentation
• A non-testable hypothesis proposes ideas that cannot be measured or proven through the scientific method

Example of a Testable Hypothesis in Psychology

• Multitasking impairs productivity.

Example in Psychology

• Research is used to understand the relationship between distracted driving and car accidents.
• A researcher would gather information on the topic of distracted driving by searching for relevant literature and studies.

Experimental Research: True Experiments

• An experimental research study identifies and measures any potential influences between an independent variable (what is being manipulated) and a dependent variable (what is being measured)
• Researchers use an experimental group (group exposed to the independent variable) and a control group (group not exposed to the independent variable)
• Extraneous variables, or variables that are not being measured in the experiment, need careful consideration

Descriptive Methods

• Descriptive research uses the scientific method to understand "what is" without attempting to explain "why it is."

Naturalistic Observation

• Naturalistic observation studies the behaviour of subjects in their natural environment while keeping the presence of researchers discrete.
• This method can lead to bias and inaccuracies due to the Hawthorne effect - participants change their behavior because they are aware of being observed
• Participant observation allows researchers to become part of the group they are observing, potentially leading to a more accurate understanding of behaviour.

Case Studies

• In-depth analysis of a unique circumstance or individual
• Case studies are not experiments
• Case studies can be difficult to generalize to the larger population

Surveys/Questionnaires

• Participants answer standard questions
• Surveys are an effective way to gather lots of information from a group of people.
• Surveys are susceptible to bias from both the researchers and the participants

S-Data Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Self-reported data can help researchers gain insight into participants' thoughts, feelings, and intentions
• S-data can have several disadvantages:
  • Participants may not respond honestly.
  • Participants may not be able to accurately reflect their experience.
  • Surveys can be overused.
  • Surveys are too simplistic.

Survey/Questionnaires: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Surveys can be administered in several ways, making them accessible and convenient.
• Researchers can use this technique to quickly gather a lot of data about people’s experiences, etc.
• The inability to include the entire population in the survey can lead to sampling error/bias, as the sample may not be a fully accurate representation of the population.
• Wording in surveys can impact participants' responses, so researchers need a deliberate approach that ensures accuracy.
• Response bias can negatively impact the accuracy of survey data.
  • Socially desirable bias: participants may answer questions the way they feel they are expected to answer.
  • Acquiescent response bias (yes-saying): participants may agree with statements regardless of their stance on the issue.
  • Illusory superiority: participants may portray their behaviours as better than average.
  • Volunteer bias: People who volunteer for research studies may not be representative of the general population, and are likely to be more open to sharing information.