Psychology-Research Methods

Basic approach-research that investigates fundamental aspects of behavior (phenomena) Example: How much information can we store in short term memory? Applied Approach- research that investigates solutions to real world problems. Example: What type of ATM is the easiest to use?

Empiricism: states that new knowledge is gained from observations Determinism: states that phenomena in the world (and human behaviors) occur naturally and have identifiable causes. Parsimony: states that the simplest explanation of a phenomena is most likely to be correct. Testability: states that explanations of phenomena should be falsified if they are incorrect.

Theory-driven- rely on deductive reasoning, using general information to make a specific prediction. Hypothesis for a study that is based on a theory about the behavior of interest. Data-driven- rely on inductive reasoning, using specific information to make a more general prediction. A researcher makes a hypothesis for a study based on results that were reported on previous studies.

Descriptive research: a research question that asks whether a specific behavior occurs, how frequently it is exhibited or if there is a relationship between the two. Example: Are college student anxious? How does anxiety manifest itself in college students? Causal research: a research question that asks what causes specific behaviors to occur? Many causal research questions are designed to test a theory about a cause of behavior or to compare the theories. Example: What types of events cause college student to become anxious?

Experiment: it is a type pf research design that involves manipulation of an independent variable, allowing control of extraneous variables that could effect the results. Quasi-experiment: it is a type of research design where comparison is made, just as in an experiment, but without the random assignment of participants to groups.

Systematic observation is likely to increase the internal validity because there is a high degree of of control that can be exerted on the measurements of behavior observed. This control eliminates influences on the behaviors that are not the focus of the study, that is why the studies are usually done in laboratory settings on a computer.

Naturalistic observation technique is like to increase the external validity because the behavior is more realistic than with other techniques. The behavior exhibited is natural and and in it's natural setting, more true to life.

The aspect of the experiment would be the manipulation of the independent variable(s).The independent variable is the factor the researcher thinks may affect the observed behavior.

Testing effects: when there are multiple testing sessions and the first test will effect the subsequent sessions. Example: accumulated knowledge of the task Regression towards the mean: when extreme scores are unlike to recur. Example: when a person scores really high on their first test but then scores average on the next test. Hawthorne Effect: studying participants can change their behavior. Example: workers' productivity improves when they know that they are being studied.

-The participants must provide informed consent. -The incentives for participants must be reasonable so not to be coercive. -The participants must take reasonable measures to reduce harm, including termination of the study if necessary.

-The research must involve trained personnel -The researcher must minimize discomfort to the animal -Researchers must report data accurately and correct errors if they are discovered.

The IRB is a committee of knowledgeable individuals who oversee the ethics of research with human participants conducted at an institution. They make sure that the guidelines are adhered to , they review all research proposed and make sure they are ethical and approve accordingly.

It is claiming someone's work or ideas as your own.