PSY 1010 Introduction to Psychology PDF

Goals of the Scientific Enterprise Measurement & description Develop measurement techniques that make it possible to describe behavior clearly. Understanding the prediction Hypothesis & Variables are used to understand what you are trying to predict. Application & Control Theory Steps...

Goals of the Scientific Enterprise Measurement & description Develop measurement techniques that make it possible to describe behavior clearly. Understanding the prediction Hypothesis & Variables are used to understand what you are trying to predict. Application & Control Theory Steps in a Scientific Investigation 1. Formulate a testable hypothesis - Operational definition 2. Select the research method and design - Participants (subjects) 3. Collect the Data - Questionnaires, interviews, surveys 4. Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions - Your conclusions must be supported by data processing and analysis. 5. Report the findings - Journal. Advantages of the Scientific Approach Clarity and precision: Requires specification about what you are talking about when an idea is formulated Relative intolerance of error: Objective data and documentation must be submitted Research methods: Observation, measurement, manipulation, and control of variables in empirical situations. Three main types of Psychological Research I. Descriptive or observational research - We observe behavior as it unfolds in natural, real-life situations and monitor what we see. You cannot manipulate it. - Limitations: Can not be used to explain behavior. Observer effect & bias. - Ex: Supernanny - Advantage: Gives researchers a way to explore questions they could not examine with experiments. - Disadvantages: Cannot demonstrate that correlated variables are causally related. II. Correlational research III. Experimental research - Manipulates a variable under carefully controlled conditions. The Concept of Correlation Correlation exists when two variables are related. - Ex: If you sleep more, your anxiety levels will decrease. - Ex: If students miss class, their grades will decrease.  Correlation Coefficient - A numerical index of the degree of the relationship between two variables. Correlation and Prediction Correlation and Causation - Correlation is not causation. Independent Variables & Dependent Variables An experiment aims to discover these variables and how they change in one another. The dependent variable will be manipulated, and the Independent variable will be a condition. Extraneous Variables A variable that influences the dependent variable in a specific study. Cofounding of Variables: When two variables are linked in a way that makes it hard to sort out their specific effects. Invalidaes the final result of an experiment. Random Assignment: A procedure in which all subjects in a study have an equal chance of being assigned to any group or condition. Scientific Method 6 elements: I. Making observations - What we already know - What we can add II. Defining a problem III. Proposing a hypothesis - Explanation of the event - Operational definitions to clarify abstract concepts IV. Gathering evidence/Testing the hypothesis V. Theory building VI. Publishing results Steps in Research I. Identify a problem - Relevant problems in a community II. Review the literature - Foundation knowledge and current findings related to the topic - It helps educate the researcher III. Clarify the problem - Focus on the purpose of the study IV. Clearly define terms and concepts - Avoid confusion V. Define the population - The target of our research is to make it manageable VI. Develop the instrument plan - Who, how, when and where? VII. Collect Data - Answer the research question VIII. Analyze the data - Data reviewed and analyzed