Getting an Experimental Idea Psych 231 Research Methods

Getting an Experimental Idea Psych 231: Research Methods in Psychology

n n Write down two things that you “know”. Write down HOW you “know” those things. Exercise: How do we know?

Type of knowledge Ways of knowing Our focus Objective having existence outside of a person’s mind (“real”) Analysis existing in a person’s mind Empiricism (Experience) Rationalism (Logical reasoning) Scientific Method Authority Acceptance Subjective Instruction Regulation (rules & laws) Methods of Inquiry Persuasion Tenacity Faith Intuition

The scientific method n A method used to test and analyze claims about behavior Uses systematic observation and experimentation n A 6 step process n Methods of Inquiry

n Step 1: Observation n Pay attention to the world around you, look for generalizations write down two generalizations that you have observed about people’s behavior n Two classes of generalizations • Descriptive generalizations – just describe how it is/what was seen, without making predictions • Cause and effect generalizations – makes predictions about the observed relationship between two (or more) things. Scientific Method

n Step 2: Develop a theory or hypothesis n Identify the variables associated with your observations Variables The characteristics of the behavior and the surrounding context n An explanation for the observed behavior(s) • How are the variables related to one another? • May be based on past research, common sense, intuition, logic, etc. Scientific Method

n Step 3: Generate a testable prediction n Need to specify how your hypothesis can be tested. • The relevant variables must be defined and observable. n Falsification is at the heart of the scientific method • Scientists don’t try to prove a theory, but rather set out to refute (“disprove”) theories Scientific Method

n Step 4: Make systematic observations n Observational and experimental methods • • • Which variables will we examine? How do we measure these variables? Which variables can we systematically manipulate? What variables need to be controlled? Were (from whom) will we collect the observations? Scientific Method

n Step 5: Evaluate your evidence n n Refutes theory Supports theory (not “proves theory”) Leads to the revision of theory Consider alternative theories • There always alternative explanations Scientific Method

n Step 6: Repeat new hypotheses systematic observations predictions hypotheses observations Scientific Method

Where do research ideas come from? n Classic barriers & mistakes n Getting ideas for research

n Research is often driven by curiosity. n We typically study things that interest us. Continuum of the development of research ideas Informal “This is interesting. I’d like to know more. ” Formal “We’ve got a problem to solve. ” “We understand some things, but there are still questions. ” “The theory says X. Let’s test theory. ” Where do ideas come from?

n Observation • Direct observation - things that you observe: includes public observation, self observation, observing children, observing animals • Vicarious observation - what somebody else has observed and reported Where do ideas come from?

n n Observation Common Sense - things that we all think are true • “Opposites attract” • But note: a lot of our common sense is contradictory • Absence makes the heart grow fonder • Long distance affairs never last Where do ideas come from?

n n n Observation Common Sense Past research – find out what research has already been done and ask yourself “what don’t we know still” • Follow-up studies, expanding the past research in more detail or new directions • Improvements on past research studies, maybe you think the past research had some serious flaws or limitations Where do ideas come from?

n n Observation Common Sense Past research Identify a problem – perhaps there is an important problem or issue that needs a (or some) solution(s). • WWII - why did airplanes keep crashing? • Led to development early cognitive theories of attention Where do ideas come from?

n Observation Common Sense Past research Identify a problem n Ask the Experts n n Putting your trust in somebody else who knows the research field and the issues that need answers Where do ideas come from?

You Great ideas Classic barriers & mistakes

n n n I’m not smart enough. Somebody else must have already done this. I don’t know how to pursue the idea. It’s too simple, something must be wrong. The idea will take too much work. n Do consider the practicality of the work load, but don’t be afraid of hard work. Classic barriers & mistakes

n Not interested. n n Don’t procrastinate and take your time Glued to your first idea. n Be flexible, adjust your idea as you learn more n Can’t find any literature to review. n Our goal is that you come away from this course with the knowledge and ability to see past these pitfalls. Classic barriers & mistakes cont.

n Reviewing the Literature n n Chapter 2 n Chapters 2, 5, 9 Reminder: Web. CT Quiz #1 due @ noon on Monday: covers Chapters 1&2 Next time