Psyc 1 General Psychology

RESEARCH METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Experimental Method

Main objective of an experiment is to discover the
effect of an independent variable (IV) on a
dependent variable (DV)

IV- is manipulated; independent of what the participant
does.

DV- is the variable being measured; depends on the
IV.

An experiment uses a design, which refers to the
plan and structure of the study.

Quasi-experimental Method

Similar to the experimental method except that
random assignment of participants are not possible.

The IV is not purposely manipulated because they
are already inherent in the participants or
manipulation of the IV is unethical.

Advantage: it allows us to study variables that
cannot be manipulated by the experimenter

Naturalistic Observation

Allow behavior to occur without interference or
intervention by the researcher.

we all do this (people watch)

Weaknesses: often not easy to observe without being
intrusive.

Strengths: study behavior in real setting - not lab.
Survey Method
Either a written questionnaire, verbal interview, or
combination of the two, used to gather information
about specific aspects of behavior.

Weaknesses: self-report data (honesty is questionable)
Strengths: gather a lot of information in a short time.


Case Study

In depth investigation of an individual's life, used
to reconstruct major aspects of a person's life.
Attempt to see what events led up to current
situation.

Usually involves: interview, observation, examine
records, & psych. testing.

Weaknesses: very subjective. Like piecing together a
puzzle, often there are gaps - relies on memory of the
individual, medical records, etc.
Strengths: good for assessing psychological disorders -
can see history and development.
Standardized Tests
Respondents are required to answer a series of
questions and their responses scored to reflect
something about their persons.
Advantage of standardized tests is that they
provide information about individual differences
among people.
Goes through a rigorous process of reliability and
validity testing.
Correlational Method
Objective is to determine whether 2 or more
variables are associated or related to each other
1. Positive relationship
2. Negative relationship

Advantage of using this method is that it focuses
on the investigation of naturally occurring
variables.

Disadvantage: correlation does not necessarily
imply causation.