The document summarizes key concepts in psychology research methods. It defines psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The four main goals of psychology are described as description, control, understanding, and prediction. Scientific methods like the scientific method, hypotheses, theories, experiments with variables, groups, and blinds are explained. Other research methods like clinical studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys are also outlined. Different types of populations studied like case studies, longitudinal studies, and cross-sectional studies are defined.

1. Chapter 1 Psychology and Research Methods

2. Psychology The scientific study of behavior and mental processes Behavior: can be directly observed (crying) Mental Processes: cannot be directly observed (remembering)

3. What Are the Goals of Psychology? Description of Behaviors : What is the nature of this behavior? Naming and classifying various observable, measurable behaviors Control: What conditions affect it? Understanding: Why does this occur? The causes of behavior Prediction: Can we forecast when this will occur?

4. Psychology – A “Social” Science Through scientific observation and research methods Psychology TODAY: Uses a systematic way of answering questions about the world and the people who live in it

5. Critical Thinking Critical thinkers are willing to ask the hard questions and challenge conventional wisdom Ability to analyze, evaluate, critique, and synthesize information Who is making this claim? Has it been tested? How reliable are the tests?

6. Scientific Method Form of critical thinking based on: Careful collection of evidence Accurate description and measurement Precise definition Controlled observation Repeatable results

8. Scientific Theory What can I expect? A system of ideas that interrelates facts and concepts, summarizes existing data, and predicts future observations

9. A Good Theory Must be falsifiable! Experiments are conducted to prove a theory to be “untrue” operationally defined so that it can be disconfirmed

10. Hypothesis A testable prediction

11. Review What is the definition of Psychology? What are the four goals of Psychology? What are the steps in Scientific Method? What is a theory? What is a hypothesis?

12. Types of Research Experiment Clinical Method Naturalistic Observation Survey

13. Experiments A formal trial taken to confirm or disconfirm a hypothesis

14. In Psychology … Investigating the causes of behavior through a “controlled environment” - the experiment!

15. Cause and Effect Through use of : Independent variables Dependent variables … .. we can experimentally measure CAUSE and EFFECT

16. Variables Independent Variable: Condition(s) altered by the experimenter Suspected CAUSE for behavioral differences Dependent Variable: Demonstrates EFFECT that independent variables have on behavior

17. Groups Experimental Group: The group of participants that gets the independent variable Control Group: The group of participants that does NOT get the independent variable

19. Placebo Placebo: A fake pill (sugar), injection (saline), or condition Placebos alter our expectations about our own emotional and physical reactions

20. Placebo Effect Changes in behavior that result from expectations that a drug or other treatment will have some effect These expectancies then influence bodily activities

21. Types of Experiments Single Blind: Only the subjects have no idea whether they get real treatment or placebo Double Blind: The subjects AND the experimenters have no idea whether the subjects get real treatment or placebo Best type of experiment if properly set up

22. Review What is an experiment? What does cause and effect mean? What is a dependent variable? What is an independent variable? What is a placebo? What is placebo effect? What is the meaning of single blind vs. double blind?

23. Other Research Methods “ Non- Experimental”

24. The Clinical Method Studying psychological problems in clinical settings

25. Naturalistic Observation Observing behavior as it unfolds “ 911”

26. Survey Method Using public polling techniques to answer psychological questions Question a random sample of people Self reported data “ Courtesy” replies

27. Populations Case study Longitudinal study Cross Sectional study

28. Case Study Observation technique One person is studied in depth Goal is for one person to reveal universal principles Critical thinking … Do you think one person can meet this scientific goal?

29. Longitudinal Study Study the same group of people Over a course of many years Goal: reveal universal principles

30. Cross Sectional Study multiple ages At one time Study a certain task, trait, behavior, etc. Goal: reveal universal principles

31. Review Describe other research methods: Clinical method Naturalistic Observation Survey Describe different populations: Case study Longitudinal study Cross sectional