The Scientific Method
A testable guess about what you expect to happen in your study that has not yet been tested. It is a specific prediction about a specified set of circumstances.
Hypothesis
A research method used to look for relationships between variables.
Correlational studies.
Investigates the effect of one or more variables on one or more outcome variables. Also determines if one variable causes another to occur or change.
Experimental Research
Does not try to measure the effect of a variable, but rather to describe it.
Descriptive Research
The ability to imagine, analyze, and evaluate information in order to determine its integrity and validity, such as what is factual and what isn't.
Critical thinking skills
A factor or element that can change in observable and measurable ways.
Variable
A common term meaning that finding a relationship between two variables does not mean that one is responsible for the other.
Correlation does not equal causation
A type of experiment that uses one group who receive no treatment and an another group who receive the treatment.
Simple experiment
Research that takes place at a single point in time, designed to look at present conditions. All tests, measures, or variables are administered on one occasion.
Cross-sectional research
Ask what is the problem being addressed, what are the key points, is anything missing, and are the facts from a reliable source?
Some things to do to identify the problem/issue and analyze the information
Make an observation, ask a question, test your hypothesis and collect data, examine the results and draw conclusions, report the results.
The steps in the Scientific Method
Observing and recording variables of interest in a natural setting without interference or manipulation.
Naturalistic observation
This is the group that does not receive the treatment or manipulation.
Control group
Research that takes place over a period of time. Data is first collected at the beginning of the study, and then may be gathered throughout the length of the study.
Longitudinal research
Evaluate how did I develop my opinion, what are the opinions of others, what are the opposing views, and can I identify more than one solution?
Some things to do to present multiple solutions or perspectives
An important part of a valid hypothesis meaning that it must be possible to prove it false.
Falsifiability
The most common methods used for psychological research. Having a random sample of participants is vital to be able to generalize the results.
Survey method
The variable that the experimenter manipulates.
Independent variable
The consistency of a measure; whether or not the result is repeatable.
Reliability
Determine what is a logical conclusion to this issue, what's my reasoning, and are there important points to consider.
Some things to do to draw a conclusion
A well established, extensively tested, generally accepted principle that has been developed to explain an aspect of the natural world.
Theory
Analyzing studies that were conducted by other researchers, as well as reviewing historical records and case studies.
Archival research
The variable that is being affected by the experimenter.
Dependent variable
Whether or not the measurement is actually measuring what we think it is measuring.
Validity
Evaluate did I use examples to support my ideas and arrange information logically, are my errors minimal, and did I compose the information for my audience
Some things to do to organize my ideas and communicate effectively