PSY 1010 TWO

Study Notes

Measurement & Description: Develop methods to observe and measure behavior.
Understanding & Prediction: Use hypothesis and variables to understand and predict phenomena.
Application & Control: Apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Theory: Aims to explain and integrate findings into a coherent framework.

Formulate a Testable Hypothesis: A specific, testable prediction, often incorporating operational definitions for clarity.
Select Research Method & Design: Choose the appropriate method (descriptive, correlational, experimental) and design to address the research question.
Collect Data: Employ various techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, surveys, or observations to gather information.
Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions: Process and analyze data to determine whether the hypothesis is supported. Conclusions must be grounded in data.
Report Findings: Share results through publications, conferences, or presentations.

Clarity and Precision: Requires clear definitions and specifications of concepts.
Relative Intolerance of Error: Encourages objective data, rigorous documentation, and replicability.
Research Methods: Utilizes observation, measurement, manipulation, and control of variables.

Descriptive or Observational: Studies behavior in its natural setting without manipulation.
- Limitations: Cannot explain cause-and-effect relationships.
- Observer Effect & Bias: Researcher's presence may influence behavior.
- Example: Observing children's social interactions in a playground.
Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two or more variables.
- Limitation: Cannot determine causality.
- Correlation Coefficient: A numerical measure of the strength and direction of the relationship.
Experimental Research: Manipulates a variable to determine its effect on another variable.
- Independent Variable: The variable manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable: The variable measured to observe the effect of the independent variable.

Correlation exists when two variables are related.
- Example: Higher levels of sleep are correlated with lower levels of anxiety.
Correlation Coefficient: A numerical index indicating the strength and direction of the relationship.

Correlation is not Causation: Simply because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other.

Extraneous Variables: Variables other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable.
Confounding of Variables: When extraneous variables become intertwined with the independent variable, making it difficult to determine the true effect.
Random Assignment: A technique that ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any experimental condition.

Making Observations: Gathering information about the world.
Defining a Problem: Identifying a specific question to investigate.
Proposing a Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation for the problem.
Gathering Evidence/ Testing the Hypothesis: Conducting research to test the hypothesis.
Theory Building: Developing a comprehensive framework that explains the findings.
Publishing Results: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Identify a Problem: Choose a relevant topic for investigation.
Review the Literature: Consult existing research to gain background knowledge on the topic.
Clarify the Problem: Define the specific research question.
Clearly Define Terms & Concepts: Ensure clear understanding of the variables being studied.
Define the Population: Specify the target group for the research.
Develop the Instrument Plan: Plan the methods, procedures, and timeline for the study.
Collect Data: Gather information through chosen methods.
Analyze Data: Analyze the collected data to draw conclusions.