PSYC 101 1st Edition Lecture 2Chapter 1, Module 3: Research Methods*Psychologists use the scientific method because they can systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest.*Difference between facts and opinions-Facts can be proven-Opinions are based on personal experiences*Steps in the scientific method1) Identifying questions of interest2) Formulating hypothesis with an explanation3) Carrying out research designed to support or refute the hypothesis or explanation4) Communicate findings with others-A theory is a broad explanation or prediction concerning a phenomena *The theory of diffusion of responsibility- If the number of witnesses increases, the amount of people likely to help decreases.-A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested -An operational definition is the translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures thatcan be measured and observed. -Descriptive Research Designs:A) Archival Research- existing data, such as census documents, college records, newspapers etc. examined to test a hypothesis.B) Case Study- In depth, intensive investigation of a single person of small group-psychological testingThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.-however, unique individuals make it impossible to generalize. I) Naturalistic Observation- observing people etc. in an environment.II) Survey Research- When people are asked a series of questions about their behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes.-pitfalls: results will be wrong if the sample is not representative of the population-survey respondents may not answer honestly A) Correlational Research1) Variables- two sets of data are examined to determine whether or not they are associated or “correlated.”2) Correlation coefficient- positive or negativeCORRELATION DOES NOT EQUAL CAUSATION.-Experimental Research: Investigating 2 or more variables, and manipulating one of them.A) Experimental Manipulation- change that a distributor produces on purpose in a certain situation.B) Treatment- manipulated by the experimenter.C) Experimental Group- receives a treatmentD) Control Group- receives no treatmentE) Independent Variable- is manipulated by an experimenter F) Dependent Variable- is measured, expected to change when the independent variable does.G) Random Selection - each member of a population has a equal chance to participate in a study.H) Random Assignment- participants are assigned to different conditions by chance.I) Significant Outcome- meaningful results that confirm a hypothesisReplication- when a study is conducted