Research Methods in Psychology Chapter

Introduction to Evolutionary Thinking

• Evolutionary thinking is an introduction to the scientific method and its application to understanding evolution and ecology.
• This involves recognizing the relevance of experiments, observations, and comparative methods.
• Learning objectives include: understanding the scientific method, identifying the "why" behind two time scales of causation, giving examples, and defining evolution.
• Identifying what can and cannot evolve and the timescales of evolutionary processes is vital.

The Scientific Method

• Observations of natural phenomena are the starting point.
• Reason and creativity lead to hypothesis formation.
• The hypothesis generates predictions.
• Experiments are designed to test predictions.
• Data is analyzed to determine if the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
• The process is cyclical; hypotheses are retested and adjusted as needed.

Observational Studies

• Scientists collect data on natural happenings without interfering.
• This method is particularly useful for studying long-lived, endangered, or difficult-to-handle organisms.
• Dr. Biz Turnell's work on Hawaiian crickets shows how such studies can work.
• Dr. Turnell found the number of microspermatophores received increased the percentage of offspring that hatched. (Observational study in the field)

Experimental Studies

• Researchers isolate specific variables to understand cause-and-effect relationships.
• Experiments enable direct hypothesis testing.
• Experimental studies can be challenging for logistical or ethical reasons.
• Dr. Jared Ali's work on plant chemistry and species interactions involved varied experimental treatments.
• Nematodes were specifically attracted to infested plants, not simply infested larvae, or damaged plants .

Comparative Studies

• Comparative studies look at patterns across a broad range of organisms.
• This helps researchers investigate hypotheses at broader scales.
• While these studies don't explain the "why" directly, they provide valuable information about high-level patterns.
• Dr. Marjorie Weber's research explored plant diversification from comparative studies.

Time Scales of Causation

• Proximate causation examines immediate causes;
  • How actions take place (physiology, development, ecology).
• Ultimate causation investigates the long-term benefit;
  • Effects on Fitness of Ancestors. -Survival/Fecundity.

Evolution in Popular Media

• Evolution is shown in popular media to illustrate how anything changes over time.
  • Examples include the Evolution of the Windows Logo and Star Evolution. Pokémon Charmander Evolution.

Evolution in Biological Context

• Evolution is descent with modification. This means changes occur between generations.
• Examples include, but are not limited to, caterpillars turning into moths, baby humans gaining teeth, flamingos changing color based on their diets.

Do Individuals Evolve?

• Individuals do not evolve; evolution happens at the population level over many generations.

Connecting Ecology and Evolution

• Ecology examines how organisms interact with their environment in the present moment.
• Evolution explores how organisms persist over time.
• The two are connected through time scales of causation.

What Exactly is an Evolutionary Time Scale

• Evolutionary time scales encompass the historical sequences of organisms.
• Fossil records, comparative anatomy (homologous structures), evolutionary development biology (embryology), molecular biology (DNA), and phylogenetics provide examples.

What do We Need to Learn About Evolution?

• Understanding the origin of life.
• Defining requirements for evolutionary processes.
• Identifying the mechanisms of evolution.
• Understanding a mechanism of evolution like natural selection.

Recap of Topic 2

• The scientific method helps understand proximate and ultimate causes of biological patterns and processes.
• Evolution is descent with modification, not all change over time. Changes between generation is evolution.

Climate Change and Plants

• Climate change is affecting plant flowering times.
• Studying these shifts can provide valuable insight.