Research Methods

Hypothesis - Expresses relationship between two variables

Variables

• Independent - Whatever is being manipulated
• Dependent - Measured
• Confounding - Anything that manipulates, but is not the independent variable.
• Operational - Explain what your hypothesis means

Definitions - Measured in 'real life' terms

Sampling -  Identify population subject; must be representative of population you study

Experimental Method - Prove casual relationships; Cause = Effect

• Hawthorne Effect - Control group can change

Correlational Method - Expresses relationship between two variables; does not show causation

Survey Method - Most common study; measures correlation; cheap and fast

• Needs a good random sample; low response rate

Naturalistic Observation - Watch subjects in their natural environment

Correlation Coefficient - A number that measures strength of a relationship; from -1 to +1; Weaker closer to zero.

Case Study - Detailed picture of one or few subjects

• Great story; no correlational data - just descriptive. 

Statistics - Recording results from studies

• Need common language for understanding
• Descriptive Statistics - describes sets of data
• Range - Distance from highest to lowest scores

Standard Deviation - Variance of scores around the mean

• Higher variance = More Distribution Spread

Z scores - Unit that measures the distance of one score from the mean

• + = Above the mean
• - = Below the mean

Ethical Guidelines for Research

Animal Research

• Clear purpose
• Treated in a humane way
• Acquire animals legally
• Least amount of suffering possible

Human Research

• No coercion, must be voluntary
• Informed consent
• Anonymity
• No significant risk
• Must debrief