The scientific method relies on testable theories and falsifiable hypotheses.
Four steps in the scientific method:
1. Develop a hypothesis [testable, falsifiable]
operational definitions/ objective descriptions of concepts involved in a scientific study.
2. Collect Objective data
empirical
3. Analyze the results and accept or reject the hypothesis
4. Publish, criticize, and replicate the results
Five types of psychological research, research utilizing this scientific method can employ
Experiments: cause-effect relationship, independent variable [operates independently of everything else in the study], depend variable [the outcome variable, the effect], experimental group [experimental condition ] & control group [control condition], random assignment
Correlational studies: positive & negative & zero, interpreting correlational findings[ A causes B/ B causes A / C causes both A and B]
Surveys: gather data from large numbers of respondents relatively quickly and inexpensively; vulnerability to a variety of biases
Naturalistic observations: naturally occur; lack of control over the environment, time-consuming and expensive
Case studies: clinical method. valuable information that could be obtained in no other way
Researchers call fall pray to expectancy bias.
they observe what they expect to observe.
One way scientists control for bias in their studies is the double-blind method.
Ethical Issues in psychological research
informed consent
deception
animal studies
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