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III. Research Methods A. How do psychologists “do” science? If our intuition, common sense, and folk wisdom is not enough to make valid conclusions about behavior... Must test our hunches and ideas. What differentiates psychology from other disciplines (e.g., philosophy). How psychologists “do” science Typical way psychologists approach a problem: Make observations, read literature Come up theory (general explanation). Develop testable statement (hypothesis) from theory. CAN’T STOP THERE!!! Pick research method, test hypothesis. Collect data. See if supports hypothesis. A. How do psychologists “do” science? Example: Children’s aggression exposure to violent media. 1. Theory: An explanation of phenomenon (using an integrated set of principles that organizes or predicts observations). General claim about behavior. Example? A. How do psychologists “do” science? Can’t stop there… 2. Hypothesis: A testable prediction implied by the theory. Must be a specific disconfirmable statement. Example? B. 4 Goals of Psychology Describe Predict Explain Control/Change C. Goal #1: Describing Behavior 1. 3 Descriptive Research Methods: a. Case Studies: Study one or a few individuals in depth. Example: Freud Limits of method? C. Goal #1: Describing Behavior 1. 3 Descriptive Research Methods: b. Naturalistic Observation: Observe people in their natural environment. Example: ? Strengths of method Limits of method: - people may change behavior if know being observed. C. Goal #1: Describing Behavior 1. 3 Descriptive Research Methods: c. Survey Research: People report behavior, beliefs, or opinions. Examples? Strengths: efficient Limits of method? - i. honesty of reporting. - ii. biases in survey: wording of questions Limits of survey method: iii. Sampling: who responded to survey. Random Sample: A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being included in the study.