Research methods and statistics a critical thinking approach
After participants are assigned to conditions, we keep track of the number of colds they have over a specified time period the dependent variable. A random sample is achieved when, through random selection, each member of the population is equally likely to be chosen as part of the sample.
Jackson research methods and statistics companion website
Can you think of an example of a negative relationship between two variables? The problem with this approach is that much of what started out as basic research eventually led to some sort of application. This means that, although we may observe a relationship between variables such as that described between drinking and Greek membership , we cannot conclude that it is a causal relationship because there could be other alternative explanations for this relationship. Her research interests include human reasoning and the teaching of psychology, and she has published numerous articles in both areas. As we use more powerful methods, we gain control but lose flexibility. For example, in our channel-surfing example, if gender predicts channel surfing, what might cause it? This method is descriptive in nature because it involves simply describing the individual s being studied. Most basic research is conducted in university or laboratory settings. If two variables are correlated with each other, then we can predict from one variable to the other with a certain degree of accuracy. Such concerns relate to the validity of the data collected. If, after completing this study with the proper controls, we found that those in the experimental group those who took vitamin C supplements did in fact have fewer colds than those in the control group, we would have evidence supporting a cause-andeffect relationship between these variables. This is referred to as basic research—the study of psychological issues to seek knowledge for its own sake. Without description as a first step, predictions cannot be made.In other words, what is missing when we use predictive methods such as the correlational and quasi-experimental methods is control. The problem with this approach is that much of what started out as basic research eventually led to some sort of application.
Jackson's combined text adopts an inviting narrative style that draws you into the material, helping you overcome the initial apprehension you may feel at having to learn both subject areas at once. When using predictive methods, we do not systematically manipulate the variables of interest; we only measure them.
The Logic of Experimental Design. Careful observation and description would be needed to determine whether or not there were any gender differences in channel surfing. Here, we will simply consider the basics—the minimum requirements needed for an experiment.
The point is that observing a correlation between two variables means only that they are related to each other.
Laboratory observation involves observing behavior in a more contrived and controlled situation, usually the laboratory. Psychologists might describe patterns of behavior, thought, or emotions in humans. Consider this: As mountain elevation increases, temperature decreases. Jackson is professor of psychology at Jacksonville University JU , where she has taught since and currently serves as Chair of the Division of Social Sciences. Many preconditions must be met for a study to be experimental in nature; we will discuss many of these in detail in later chapters. The idea behind experimentation is that the researcher manipulates at least one variable known as the independent variable and measures at least one variable known as the dependent variable. Thus, because these methods leave the possibility for alternative explanations, we cannot use them to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The Logic of Experimental Design. This is not so. Making observations in a systematic manner Aids in refuting or developing a theory in order to test hypotheses Publicly verifiable Presenting research to the public so that it can be observed, replicated, criticized, and tested Aids in determining the veracity of a theory Empirically solvable Stating questions in such a way that they are answerable by means of currently available research techniques Aids in determining whether a theory can potentially be tested using empirical techniques and whether it is falsifiable 1.One concern is whether the group of people who participate in the study the sample is representative of all of the people about whom the study is meant to generalize the population.
One advantage of the observational method, as well as other descriptive methods, is the flexibility to change what you are studying. To eliminate alternative explanations, we must impose control over the research situation.
One advantage of the survey method over the other descriptive methods is that it allows researchers to study larger groups of individuals more easily. Explanation explanation Identifying the causes that determine when and why a behavior occurs. The point is that observing a correlation between two variables means only that they are related to each other. For example, we could examine whether alcohol consumption by students in a fraternity or sorority differs from that of students not in such organizations. Descriptive Methods Psychologists use three types of descriptive methods. Her research interests include human reasoning and the teaching of psychology, and she has published numerous articles in both areas. When using predictive methods, we do not systematically manipulate the variables of interest; we only measure them. This is referred to as basic research—the study of psychological issues to seek knowledge for its own sake. In other words, we could conclude that taking vitamin C supplements reduces the frequency of colds.