Psychology Research
PeterSal
ResearchBasics.pptxResearch Basics
Orientation to the Study of Psychology
Fall 2016
Rachel Pauletti, Ph.D.
The Scientific Method
Identify the problem
Make hypotheses
Collect data (we’re focusing here today)
Analyze data
Form reasonable conclusion based on data
Share your findings
Study Design
One important step in the scientific method is collecting data
There are about 100 different ways to do this
The design must make sense for your research question
Today, we’ll focus on two major types of study designs
Correlational
Experimental
Correlational research
Observing relationships between variables as they naturally occur
Hypothesis is about what that relationship will look like
Strong or weak?
Do the variables move in the same direction or the opposite direction?
Several methods used
Surveys/questionnaires
Natural observation
Problems with Correlations (Cont.)
Can’t tell which variable comes “first” (which variable causes which)
Work Hours Friendliness?
Friendliness Work Hours?
Or whether the variables are causing each other at all
Rape ice cream sales?
Third variable may be influencing both variables
Surveys
Drawing from a large, random sample of individuals and asking them questions on their behaviors, thoughts or feelings
Usually self-report
On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to introduce yourself to a stranger at a party?
Are you more likely to be mean to your close friend or to your mother?
A LOT of psychology research is done this way
A Recent Example
https:// www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201702/do-fitness-trackers-promote-eating-disorders
Problems with Surveys
Participant reactivity – correlational research is often conducted using surveys
Reactivity is when participants respond a certain way because they think you want them to respond a certain way
OR, because they have a reason to be dishonest in their answer
How many times a week to you use physical violence against your spouse?
Have you ever driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
Do you think you’re a good friend?
Since most correlational research is based on surveys, correlational research is problematic
Can’t establish causation
Can’t be sure participants are telling the truth
Experimental Research
Studies where changes in one variable (IV) are presumed to affect another variable (DV)
The IV is manipulated or changed by the experimenter
The DV is measured and is presumably affected by the IV
We’re interested in how an outcome depends on the independent variable
IVs and DVs
Most research questions have two types of variables
Independent variables (IV) – the thing you think is causing the effect
Dependent variables (DV) – the outcome of interest
Your hypothesis is about the relationship between the IV and the DV
How do you think the IV causes changes in the DV?
IV and DV Practice
Hypothesis: People who are insulted are more aggressive than people who aren’t insulted…
IV?
DV?
Hypothesis: Time of day causes changes in our sociability…
IV?
DV?
Hypothesis: People who take a drug are more likely to fall asleep within 15 minutes than those who take a placebo, or no drug at all…
IV?
DV?
Why We Do Experiments
Give us experimental control over the study
Experimenter determines (manipulates) the levels of the independent variable
So you know exactly what your IV looks like
Correlational studies don’t allow us to do these things
A Recent Example
https:// www.psychologytoday.com/blog/attraction-evolved/201702/do-tattoos-make-us-appear-more-attractive
https :// www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/too-sad-too-happy-salesperson-emotions-affect-buyer-behavior-during-and-after-sale.html
Problems with Experiments
Participant reactivity
Participants in experiments will try to figure out why they’re there
And what you want them to do
Deception can be useful here (don’t let them know what you’re looking for)
Realism
Often, we won’t find ourselves in experimental settings in real life
We don’t live in labs!
Do the results turn out the same in real world?
The Tradeoff…
Correlational research or experimental research?
Which is better?
Which do you think is more popular?
Today’s in-class activity
Find one experimental study using the library’s website
Find one correlational study using the library’s website
HINT: use the type of study (e.g., experimental) in the search term!!!
