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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of conducting experiments in psychology research?
What is the purpose of conducting experiments in psychology research?
What is the role of the control group in an experiment?
What is the role of the control group in an experiment?
Why is it important to randomly divide participants into two groups in an experiment?
Why is it important to randomly divide participants into two groups in an experiment?
What data collection technique involves direct observation or recording of people's behaviors without influencing them?
What data collection technique involves direct observation or recording of people's behaviors without influencing them?
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Which step comes last in conducting experiments in psychology research?
Which step comes last in conducting experiments in psychology research?
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What is the main goal of selecting participants that represent the population in psychology research?
What is the main goal of selecting participants that represent the population in psychology research?
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Which ethical consideration in psychological research involves minimizing risks to participants and maintaining confidentiality?
Which ethical consideration in psychological research involves minimizing risks to participants and maintaining confidentiality?
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Why is it essential to measure relevant differences between groups before any intervention takes place?
Why is it essential to measure relevant differences between groups before any intervention takes place?
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What is the purpose of using physiological measures like heart rate, EEG, or blood pressure in psychology research?
What is the purpose of using physiological measures like heart rate, EEG, or blood pressure in psychology research?
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Which data collection technique involves participants answering standardized questions on paper, online, or over the phone?
Which data collection technique involves participants answering standardized questions on paper, online, or over the phone?
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What do ethical guidelines in psychological research aim to ensure regarding participants?
What do ethical guidelines in psychological research aim to ensure regarding participants?
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Which principle of ethical standards in psychological research involves accurate reporting and avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism?
Which principle of ethical standards in psychological research involves accurate reporting and avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism?
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Study Notes
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychological research aims to understand human behavior, cognition, emotions, and mental processes by employing various scientific methods based on empirical data. This article provides an overview of key aspects within this field, including experimental designs, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations.
Experimental Design in Psychology Research
An experiment is an investigation where one variable (the independent variable) is manipulated while others are held constant (the control variables). In most cases, researchers study these changes by using two groups: an experimental group, which receives the treatment, and a control group, which does not receive it. Here is how you can conduct experiments in psychology research:
- Formulate hypotheses about behaviors or phenomena under consideration.
- Select participants for your experiment. Typically, they should represent the population you'll generalize results to.
- Randomly divide participants into two groups: the experimental group and the control group.
- Measure relevant differences between them before any intervention occurs to establish their starting points.
- Manipulate the experimental variable in the experimental group; leave it unchanged in the control group.
- Immediately measure outcomes (dependent variables) after the manipulation.
- Compare results between the two groups to determine if the hypothesis was supported.
Data Collection Techniques in Psychology Research
Psychologists collect data through different methodologies, such as:
- Surveys: Participants answer standardized questions on paper, online or over the phone.
- Interviews: One-on-one conversations with participants where the interviewer asks open-ended questions.
- Observations: Direct observation or recording of people's behaviors without influencing them.
- Questionnaires: Standardized sets of multiple choice, true/false, or rating scale items completed by respondents.
- Physiological measures: Assessments like heart rate, EEG, or blood pressure used to gauge responses associated with specific stimuli.
Ethical Considerations in Psychological Research
The American Psychological Association outlines guidelines for ethical standards in conducting psychological research. These principles ensure respect towards people involved in studies, privacy, informed consent, honesty, disclosure, confidentiality, and avoiding harm:
- Informed Consent: Participants must give written permission to participate after being fully aware of potential risks and benefits.
- Deception: Researchers should only use it when necessary, minimize its impact, and debrief participants afterwards.
- Risk Management: Researchers should minimize risks to participants, obtain approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and maintain confidentiality.
- Honesty and Integrity: Accurate reporting and avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism are essential.
Conclusion
Research methods in psychology involve designing experiments to test hypotheses, collecting data through various techniques, and adhering to ethical guidelines. These approaches help advance our understanding of human behavior, cognition, emotions, and mental processes.
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Description
Test your knowledge on experimental design, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations in psychological research. Explore key concepts such as how to conduct experiments, different data collection methodologies, and ethical guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association.
