Process of Research

•Direct observation/new way of thinking

•Theories

•Hypothesis--how 2 or more variables are related

•Open mind

•Data outweighs opinion

•Scientific Method to minimize subjectivity

•Observer Bias

Observer Bias

Error in data collection due to the influence of the personal motives & expectation of the observer/viewer

Recognize some details as significant while others are overlooked

Standardization/Operational Definition/Variable

Standardization

Uniform procedure; all participants experience the same thing

Experiment can be repeated multiple times

Operational Definition

Explains variable of conditions in terms of its measurement, procedure, operation

Given to all variables of an experiment

Variable

Any factor that varies in amount or kind (i.e depressive mode)

Indepenent-manipulated by experimenter; "cause"

Dependent-variables whos values change as a result of a change in an independent variable; outcome; predicted in non-epxierimental research

Reliability vs Validity

Reliability is the consistency/dependability of the data results

Validity measure how accurately the research measure the variable

Experimental Method

manipulates an independent variable and then looks for an effect on a dependent variable.  When done properly

allows researchers to make strong statements about cause and effect

(No alternate explanations)

Confounding Variable

set of potential alternate explanation

Expectancy effect-patients are told about the experiment

Control procedure --> Double blind; placebo effect

Self-report measures

Written or spoken responses to a questions posed by a reasearcher

Behavioral Measures

Ways to study overt actions and recordable reactions

Direct Observations/Naturalistic/Case Study

APRA Ethical Guidlines

“Do the potential gains from the proposed research outweigh the expected or potential costs of the subjects’ participation?”

•Informed Consent

•Risk/Gain Assesment

•Intentional Deception

•Debriefing